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If you have information to be included in the next issue of the PEP bulletin, please send your text, image and link by Tuesday at 12pm to pep@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Inclusion
Neurodiversity team training programme for autumn term 2023 |
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The Neurodiversity team are pleased to be able to offer the following training in the autumn term. The training offer will be a rolling programme of training throughout the 2023/24 academic year.
Profile tool training: Training on how to complete the neurodiversity profiling tool and the neurodiversity pathway in Portsmouth.
Venue: Portsmouth Academy Training and Learning Centre
Dates:
- Tuesday 19 September 2023, 9.30am - 1pm
- Tuesday 17 October 2023, 9.30am - pm
- Tuesday 28 November 2023, 9.30am - 1pm
Understanding Myself training (Online via Microsoft Teams)
Date: Wednesday 4 October 2023, 10am - 11am
The Understanding Myself programme has been developed by Daisy Chain as part of the Autism in Schools Project which is a national initiative. It has been piloted and adapted in co-production with neurodiverse young people and is underpinned by numerous psychological theories and practices. Understanding Myself is a six-week programme (1 hour per week) designed to help the young people to understand and be able to communicate their needs.
The aim of the intervention is to increase self-awareness; help others understand the needs of the young people and their unique experiences of the world; improve self-esteem and raise confidence. Once trained you are provided with a pack that will contain all the activities, resources, and information you need to deliver the sessions.
Neurodiversity profiling tool - Support with strategies and building a plan
Venue: Portsmouth Academy Training and Learning Centre
Date: Wednesday 18 October 2023, 9.30am - 12.30pm
This training is for those individuals that have already completed the profile tool training. The session will provide further training regarding building a support plan once the profiling tool has been completed. Within the session we will also look at how the profiling tool should be reviewed and how the neurodiversity team can support with this.
To book a place, please email Neurodiversity0-19Enquiries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk confirming which session you would like to attend.
Ten top tips to support SEND families starting primary school in September |
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 Parents/carers who have children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are set to benefit from ten top tips designed for children who are starting primary school in September.
Starting school is an exciting time for children but for some it can feel like a big step. Being prepared and making sure they have all the information will make them feel less anxious when the time comes. In collaboration with professionals and parents, a series of top tips will help parents/carers prioritise what steps they need to take before September.
Jackie, a parent whose children attend a school in the city has also shared her experiences and suggestions for families who are in a similar situation.
Relationships and sexual health webinar for parents/carers |
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The Solent Sexual Health Promotion team is holding a relationships and sexual health webinar for parents/carers on Wednesday 28 June 2023, 6pm - 7pm. The webinar will cover:
- Who we are and what we do as a Sexual Health Service supporting young people.
- Understanding what young peoples rights are.
- How we respect that – What does safeguarding mean? What does confidentiality mean?
- Services available to young people – What is contraception? The importance of STI screening. What is a healthy relationship? Support with sexuality and gender? How does social media have an impact?
- How can we support you to support your young person with their relationships, sexual health and wellbeing?
Children's mental health training available for staff and volunteers |
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 Places remain available for free online training on supporting young people with their mental health. Anyone who works or volunteers with children and young people in Portsmouth can join the sessions, which will empower them to spot the signs that someone is struggling and know how to best support them.
Flexible options are available to complete the online course in one full day, or to split it over three morning or two evening sessions.
Schools, childcare settings, sports clubs and other clubs and community groups can sign their staff up. Currently there are sufficient places for groups of staff to join together, please do share this training with your networks.
School improvement
Get your hands dirty at Hampshire Outdoors' Outdoor Learning Conference |
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Calling all nature enthusiasts, educators, and outdoor lovers!
Join us for a captivating day of exploration, inspiration and practical workshops and ‘Get your hands dirty’ at the Hampshire Outdoors’ Outdoor Learning Conference on Friday 6 October 2023 (9am - 3.15pm) at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey.
Limited spaces available, so secure your spot early.
Join us on this inspiring journey, and together, let's embrace the power of outdoor learning!
Book your place here.
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Languages CPD for autumn 2023 |
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The following languages sessions are planned for October and November:
Thursday 12 October 2023, 4pm
Elaine Gelder, experienced and very talented languages teacher and Director with Language Nut, will lead a session on tried and tested ways to recycle language in the primary and secondary classroom. This should be of interest to colleagues from across the key stages.
Saturday 18 November 2023
The Consejería de Educación will run a day of training sessions for Spanish teachers, from across the key stages, at the University of Portsmouth. This will be free, and there will be an opportunity to enjoy a taste of Spain at lunchtime too.
Thursday 23 November 2023, 4pm
In an online session, Ellie Chettle Cully will deliver her presentation on decolonising the primary languages curriculum. This is such a powerful and thought-provoking topic, and Ellie approaches it sensitively and with lots of amazing ideas and suggestions for resources.
Further details will be shared in due course.
Support for schools on vaping/e-cigarettes
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) is producing a new resource pack for schools on vaping, aimed at years 7 and 8. The resources, to be published on the Better Health School Zone in time for the 2023/24 academic year, have been informed by research with teachers and young people. The activities will feature films made with young people in which they will talk in their own words about the issues around vaping, as well as a clear presentation of the latest evidence. As with all OHID’s schools material, the resources will be linked to National Curriculum requirements and guidance on delivering PSHE. The pack will include three flexible bitesize sessions, which can be:
- used as a standalone session to meet the learning needs of individual classes
- used together over a few sessions to build and develop deeper understanding around vaping
- used in form time or assemblies.
- embedded in pre-existing lesson content around smoking.
The three topic areas are:
- Vaping: What and why? – explore what students already know about vaping – and then present the facts, get them thinking about why young people vape, and helping with strategies for saying “no” if pressured by others to start. There will also be signposts to sources of support if young people are worried (e.g. school nurse, Talk to Frank, Childline)
- Vaping: the impacts – exploring potential health impacts, environmental impacts, financial impacts, etc.
- Vaping: nicotine – deep dive on the effects of nicotine including signs of addiction
Regional guidance
The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) South East have also produced regional advice and guidance on managing vapes in schools.
If you have any questions, please email publichealth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Athletic skills model instructor course
The Athletic Skills Model instructor training is a free three-day participatory course delivered in partnership with the University of Portsmouth and funded by Portsmouth City Council's transformation fund. This is a fully subsidised training opportunity (RRP £450) that links to a future athletic skills garden project being funded for Portsmouth.
The training equips staff with the skills and knowledge to support children, young people, and their families to think about skilful movements across the lifespan that are underpinned by scientific evidence.
We have limited funds to cover supply teachers for up to five schools to attend (first come, first served basis - max. two spaces per school).
Please email Holly.Easlick@portsmouthcc.gov.uk if any school staff would like to attend this exciting opportunity on Monday 10, Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 July from 9.30am - 2.30pm at the Hillside & Wymering Centre in Cheltenham Road, Paulsgrove.
Portsmouth Independent Appeals Service – Panel members
We are looking for volunteers from across the community to join our pool of independent panel members. Panels hear admission appeals against a decision to refuse children a place at their preferred school.
Though not essential, you may have experience of the education sector as a member of staff or as a governor. You will have a strong sense of fair play, the ability to be impartial and be able to ask probing questions in a sensitive manner. You will need to be able to balance arguments and make decisions based on the facts while staying calm under pressure or in emotional situations.
All panels are supported by an independent clerk who provides advice on points of law and procedure and takes notes during the hearing. Panel members receive regular training and can observe appeals and be mentored by current appeal panel members.
Many appeals are heard between May and July and can take several days. During the rest of the year, they usually take place over a half day. All hearings are arranged during the day, in term time and online using Microsoft Teams.
Please send an expression of interest to: educationappeals.admin@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Portsmouth Independent Appeals Service – Clerks
The Appeals Service is looking to expand its pool of independent clerks who support our school admission appeals. Clerks to governing boards would be well suited to this role.
This is a part-time, zero hours role. Appeal hearings are held during the day in term time only and all appeals are heard remotely using Teams. Our busiest time of year is May-July.
You will need experience in minuting formal meetings. Good communications skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work remotely on Teams are essential. Our trained clerks provide advice to the panel including on admissions law when required. You will also need to keep an accurate record of the proceedings and send written notification of the panel’s decision after the hearing.
We will offer you initial training and the opportunity to observe appeals before you start in your new role. We also hold regular sessions for our clerks to share experiences and learning and you will receive ongoing support and update from the Appeals Service.
Please send your CV and covering letter setting out your experience to: educationappeals.admin@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Sunday Funday at Victoria Park
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The Victoria Park and Roberts Centre Family Sunday Funday will take place at Victoria Park on Sunday 16 July 2023 from 10.30am to 4pm.
With live performances from Panatical Steel Band, SKA choir, Pompey Pluckers, Centrestage Academy, Trash Arts, Cantrelle Singers, Bessie Curson Academy and Drumnation. There will also be a special performance from International Street Performer Taroo, supported by Crying Out Loud.
There will be community and commercial stalls, food outlets and activities for children by Aspex, BH Live , WEA as well as funfair rides for children and a fire truck!
The festival will cover the whole park and will be a vibrant event for local families.
Download a copy of the flyer here.
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