The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, delivered a keynote speech at the Association of School and College Leaders Annual Conference on 14 March, where she named Becontree Primary School as an exemplar of inclusive schooling.

This recognition follows her visit to Becontree Primary School in December, where she learned about the innovative work being undertaken by the school.

Barking and Dagenham Council is announcing the return of its Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme this Easter, which provides up to four days of activities, for children and young people aged 5-16. All activities are designed to keep the kids active, engaged, and healthy.

*The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme is free to children and young people who live or go to school in Barking and Dagenham and are eligible for benefit-related free school meals, with paid places available for everyone.

On Wednesday 12 March, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham in partnership with award-winning charity ShowerBox and Barking Churches Unite to celebrate the opening of ShowerBox Barking.

Barking and Dagenham Council has invested £400,000 in improvement works to Chadwell Heath Cemetery.

The east London council is committed to making sure that it is providing a safe and respectful environment for all of its employees. In the past year, there have been 113 incidents of verbal or physical abuse towards staff.

Raspreet Singh has been elected as the new Young Mayor of Barking and Dagenham.

This year, Barking and Dagenham achieved the highest first preference secondary school placements in London.

This year's theme, Accelerate Action, emphasises the importance of taking swift and meaningful steps towards gender equality and women's empowerment. This month is a time to remember the countless inspirational women, both past and present, who have made significant contributions to our community and beyond.

Barking and Dagenham Council is committed to making sure young people are protected from age restricted products such as alcohol, knives and vapes.

The Department for Education has announced that five schools in Barking and Dagenham have been awarded funding under the first part of the National School Breakfast Club Programme.