This week I highlight further DfE Prevent training sessions, confirmation of continued funding for the holiday activities and food programme and the announcement of the new Chief Regulator of Ofqual.

Prevent in education: training for governors and trustees in schools
A training package has been designed by DfE for school governors to understand their responsibilities and the importance of the Prevent duty. The next round of sessions are as follows:

Monday 10 March 2025: 5pm to 6:15pm Register here
Monday 12 May 2025: 5pm to 6:15pm Register here
Thursday 3 July 2025: 5pm to 6:15pm Register here

Holiday activities and food programme to continue in 2025/26
Earlier this week Stephen Morgan, the Minister for Early Education confirmed that the holiday activities and food programme will continue from April, but funding beyond the next financial year is subject to the spending review.

New Chief Regulator of Ofqual confirmed
Sir Ian Bauckham has been confirmed as the permanent chief regulator of exams watchdog Ofqual, the Education Secretary has announced. Parliament’s Education Select Committee agreed in December that Bauckham, who has served as Interim Chief Regulator at Ofqual since last January and was the Government’s preferred candidate to lead it permanently, should be given the top job.