This order amends existing orders governing nine Combined Authorities in England, granting them powers under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to provide financial resources for approved technical education qualifications and steps towards occupational competence.

These powers are not applicable to apprenticeships or individuals under 19 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

The order received approval from each House of Parliament and involved prior public consultation.

The Childcare Payments (Eligibility) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2025 amend the 2015 regulations to synchronize the application window for childcare top-up payments with the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.

These changes modify eligibility requirements regarding qualifying paid work, specifically adjusting the timeframe for declaring eligibility and defining the 'applicable period.' Transitional provisions are included to manage the shift between the old and new systems for applications between October 16, 2025, and January 31, 2026.

The Childcare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2025 amend four existing pieces of legislation: the Local Authority Targets (Well-Being of Young Children) Regulations 2007, the Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) Order 2007, the Childcare (Provision of Information About Young Children) (England) Regulations 2009, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) Regulations 2012.

Key changes include updating references to assessment scales, incorporating revised versions of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory frameworks, and introducing the Experience-Based Route (EBR) for early years practitioners.

The amendments aim to improve data collection, strengthen safeguarding, and streamline the regulatory framework for childcare in England.

The Office for Students has authorized LTE Group Limited to grant taught awards up to bachelor's degree level in design, creative and performing arts, computing, and business and management.

This authorization, effective January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029, is based on advice received by the Office for Students regarding the quality of LTE Group Limited's education and adheres to the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.

An impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the limited foreseen effects on the public and private sectors.

The Child Benefit (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025, effective September 1st, 2025, modify the Child Benefit (General) Regulations 2006.

Key changes include amending the definition of "full-time education" to remove the specific exception for those with illnesses or disabilities, focusing instead on the actual hours of study.

Consequential amendments to the education and training condition for eligibility have also been made, simplifying the criteria and removing outdated provisions related to types of education delivery.

This simplifies eligibility, improves clarity, and addresses accessibility concerns for disabled students.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (The Engineering and Design Institute London) (Amendment) Order 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amends a 2024 Order.

It grants The Engineering and Design Institute London a fixed-term (until July 31st, 2029) authorization to award taught degrees up to the master's level in engineering, technology, computing, architecture, business, design, and related fields.

The Office for Students made the Order, following advice on higher education quality standards.

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 3) Order 2025, enacted June 12, 2025, appoints several individuals as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

This appointment is authorized under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and is detailed in a schedule listing each appointee.

These regulations, enacted under the National Security Act 2023, exempt specific categories of activities from the foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme.

The exemptions cover certain foreign power investment funds focused primarily on overseas investments, educational arrangements supporting students in the UK, administrative and technical services provided by foreign powers, and arrangements involving UK public bodies (excluding those related to political influence).

The aim is to streamline the registration process while maintaining national security.