The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amend the 2017 regulations to shorten the minimum duration of practical training periods for English apprenticeships from 12 to 8 months.

This applies to both standard and alternative apprenticeship arrangements.

The regulations were made by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and extend to England and Wales.

No significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

These regulations set the commencement dates for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025.

Key provisions, including the transfer of the Institute's property, rights, and liabilities to the Secretary of State, come into effect the day after the regulations are made.

Further provisions, including the transfer of functions and the abolition of the Institute, take effect on June 1st, 2025, at 2:00 a.m.

The regulations aim to streamline governance and clarify responsibilities, but potential negative consequences such as increased bureaucracy or disruption to existing structures are possible.

These regulations transfer responsibility for certain adult education functions from the UK Secretary of State to Cornwall Council.

Specifically, the transfer includes functions related to education and training for those aged 19 and over, including the provision of facilities and tuition fees.

However, some functions, such as those related to apprenticeships, adult detention, and regulatory powers remain with the Secretary of State, and others are to be exercised concurrently with the Council.

The regulations also amend existing legislation concerning financial resources and information sharing related to adult education.

The transfer is contingent on Cornwall Council's consent and a belief that it will improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Cornwall residents.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transfer specific adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, effective August 1, 2025.

These functions, primarily related to education and training for individuals aged 19 and over, include provision of facilities, payment of tuition fees and financial resource provisions; however, functions relating to apprenticeships, individuals in adult detention, and the power to create regulations are excluded.

The regulations ensure the Combined County Authority operates under guidance and directions from the Secretary of State, and a report explaining the regulations' impact was submitted to Parliament.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025 transfers specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The transfer, effective August 1, 2025, covers functions under sections 86-88 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, excluding apprenticeship training and those concerning persons in adult detention.

Section 90 and section 100(1) and (1B) functions will be exercised concurrently.

The Combined Authority must adhere to Secretary of State guidance and directions regarding eligibility rules for awards.

The Order also modifies relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change in responsibilities.

The Childcare (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2008 regulations, extending the annual fees for certain early years providers registered on the early years register until September 2027.

The amendment delays any review of these fees until after that date.

The regulations were made by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education.

This Order, made under the Scotland Act 1998, specifies functions of the Scottish Ministers related to the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC) for recognizing UK and non-UK qualifications.

It allows the Scottish Ministers to enter into agency arrangements with a Minister of the Crown to manage this service, including contracting and fee administration.

The functions are linked to international agreements on qualification recognition, such as the 1997 and 2019 Conventions.

The Order extends to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and takes effect on July 1st, 2025.

The Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025, effective May 30th, 2025, amend several sets of tribunal procedure rules.

Key changes include clarifying that tribunals can set aside decisions on their own initiative or applications by parties, and mandating written notification to all parties when a decision is set aside. Additionally, a specific amendment restores community patient rights regarding hearings in health-related cases.

These amendments improve procedural fairness and address issues identified in past legislation and case law.