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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
Prevent updates and training |
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The latest DfE South East Prevent newsletter for schools features details of training for governors/safeguarding leads and new resources.
In addition, the Portsmouth Prevent team have now released the local Prevent training dates for 2025, which can assist schools in meeting the Prevent Duty.
Training dates:
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Tuesday 18 March 2025 – 10am - 11.30am
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Thursday 12 June 2025 – 1pm - 2.30pm
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Tuesday 7 October 2025 – 10am - 11.30am
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Thursday 11 December 2025 – 1pm - 2.30pm
How to book:
Please email the Learning & Development mailbox at ASCLearning@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
ND Profiles on the Insight Hub |
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The ND Portal on the Insight Hub will replace the Word version of the tool from February half term. If you haven't already registered for access to the hub, please email: Neurodiversity0-19Enquiries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk and we will arrange this for you.
We have the following demonstration sessions taking place:
- Monday 3 February 2025 - 11.30am
- Tuesday 4 February 2025 - 9am
- Wednesday 12 February 2025 - 1pm
To book a place, please email: Neurodiversity0-19Enquiries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
There is also a how to guide to support you in using the hub. If you need any support using the hub, please email the team and we will be happy to help you.
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training course 2025 |
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The Educational Psychology Team are hosting an ELSA training course over six separate days starting in February 2025. The course is primarily for teaching assistants/ learning mentors who wish to support children and young people in all aspects of emotional literacy.
Topics covered will be building relationships, social and friendship skills, self-esteem, emotional regulation, anxiety, neurodiversity, loss and bereavement and emotional wellbeing. Trainee ELSAs will also learn specific techniques such as active listening and writing social stories.
The training will be held at The Training & Learning Centre, The Portsmouth Academy, St Marys Road, Portsmouth over six days (all Wednesdays) on 5 February, 26 February, 26 March, 30 April, 11 June and 25 June 2025.
The cost will be £575 per delegate. Please note there is also an ongoing commitment to attend supervision sessions following training to maintain the ELSA status. See the course leaflet for details about the ELSA role and upcoming training.
The course can be booked through the Portsmouth Traded Services website (course code PLG2-1124-T001) or by emailing Philippa Wilson at Philippa.Wilson@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership (PSCP) training newsletter |
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Read the latest edition of the PSCP training newsletter for information on:
- PSCP training programme
- Private fostering briefings
- Child exploitation and abuse - an appropriate language guide
If you have a query concerning the PSCP training programme, please contact pscptraining@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Portsmouth SEND Local Offer On Tour: Supporting families with SEMH needs |
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Families in Portsmouth with children and young people up to 25 years old who have social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs are invited to attend a special Local Offer On Tour event. This session will be held at St Michael & All Angels' Church in Paulsgrove on Wednesday 12 February 2025 from 10am to 12.30pm.
The event provides an opportunity for families to connect with professionals and local community groups, offering essential support and advice in an informal setting. This event signposts parents/carers to services in their community, connecting individuals and offering tailored guidance.
Attendees will have the chance to engage in group discussions, ask questions, and enjoy light refreshments. Children are welcome to join. Please share this information with SENCOs and families in your school to increase awareness. To monitor capacity at the event, parents/carers are required to register for a ticket in advance of attending. For more information, please visit www.portsmouthlocaloffer.org/ontour today.
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School improvement
Exhibit at the Teach Portsmouth Jobs and Opportunities Fair 2025 |
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 The city's largest recruitment fair for education jobs returns to Portsmouth Guildhall on Wednesday 26 February 2025 from 10am - 2pm. Over 24 exhibitors will promote jobs, training and volunteering opportunities in schools and colleges across the city.
Spaces are filling up quickly so don't miss your opportunity to promote teaching, learning assistant and wider support vacancies. Over 300 people came through the bronze doors of Guildhall last year.
For more information about exhibiting, please visit the Portsmouth Education Partnership website and submit your booking form by Friday 31 January 2025. If you have any questions, please email teachportsmouth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Nicola Sanders attended a Teach Portsmouth event after working in education for over 30 years. Nicola worked as a religious studies teacher. After changes in her personal life, she wanted to move into a support role that aligned with her skills. After connecting with an exhibitor, she joined a school, and subsequently went on to become an alternative provisions manager at Priory School.
Nicola said: "I really enjoy forming strong relationships with young people to encourage them in school. During a Teach Portsmouth event, I spoke to one academy trust and ended up working in one of their schools. I then moved to another and have secured a permanent role.
"If I had to give one piece of advice, I would say: Go for it! There are plenty of exhibitors who have a wealth of information to share with you. They all want you to be successful."
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Feedback invited for Teaching Assistant Charter |
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Teach Portsmouth is pleased to share a draft Teaching Assistant (TA) Charter for schools' feedback and comments.
The Charter has been co-produced with a group of Portsmouth teaching assistants in response to feedback from last year's teaching assistant survey. A final version of the Charter will go to the PEP Strategic Board on 11 February 2025 for approval, and Portsmouth schools will be asked to consider signing up to the Charter from February half term.
Please note:
- The draft survey is intentionally ambitious. Schools signing up to the Charter will be asked to commit to working towards the commitments and monitoring their progress in a transparent way with their teaching assistants.
- This Charter is described as for 'teaching assistant' retention but we want it to apply to a wider group of staff including higher level teaching assistants, learning support assistants, ELSAs etc. Please let us know if the term 'teaching assistant' adequately covers this group, or if there is a different description we could better use.
Please send your feedback to teachportsmouth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by Friday 31 January 2025.
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The Digital Dilemma: Keeping Children Safe Online |
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With Safer Internet Day looming, and this year’s theme focusing on protecting yourself from online scams, Police Cyber Protect teams from the South East are running their free webinar for parents/carers several times in the coming weeks!
The webinar covers social media, mobile phones, gaming and emails, and aims to help parents and carers understand some of the risks young people face online, including how to spot phishing emails, texts and more. Attendees will be provided with advice and resources to help them better protect themselves and their family from falling victim to cybercriminal behaviours.
A poster to share with parents/carers can be downloaded here.
RSHE statutory guidance |
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A friendly reminder to all schools: the 2019 RSHE Statutory Guidance remains in place and should continue to be used.
We’ve heard national reports of some schools using or preparing to use the draft guidance that was released for consultation last year. Please note that this draft is not finalised and is likely to change, especially given the recent change in government.
It’s important to stick with the original guidance to ensure compliance and consistency in delivering PSHE. Any updates will be clearly communicated to PSHE leads once they are finalised.
Thank you for continuing to provide high-quality PSHE for our young people in Portsmouth. If you have any questions or concerns related to PSHE provision, please contact PublicHealth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for support.
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Primary subject leader network meetings - spring term 2025 |
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Please see the latest information on venues and timings for the spring term subject network leads meetings. These will be held on Wednesday 5 February 2025, 4pm - 5pm, with the exception of maths (Wednesday 12 February 2025, 3.30pm) and languages (Wednesday 22 January 2025).
If you have any general questions ahead of these meetings, please contact Debbie Anderson at Debbie.Anderson@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. For questions specific to a group, please find the contact details for the network group leads in above attachment.
Goodwood Education Trust |
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Goodwood Education Trust is an independent environmental education charity whose purpose is to inspire a love and understanding of the natural environment and sustainable agriculture. They work to connect children and young people with nature, particularly those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.
The trust offers three programmes:
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Farm visits for schools, including free visits for disadvantaged schools.
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Woodland learning, including weekly forest school for vulnerable students, including those in alternative provision or special schools.
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Children in the community, woodland activities, including partnerships with local charities and forest adventures through school holidays, particularly for those on low incomes.
The Education Centre is purpose-built, accessible and sustainable, on the farm, nestled in 20 acres of semi-ancient woodland, with a nature trail and inspirational outdoor learning spaces.
Explore the spring 2025 newsletter to find out more about the opportunities on offer.
If you have any questions, please email get@goodwood.com or call 01243 755157.
Ofsted report for The Victory Primary School |
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A new Ofsted report for The Victory Primary School is now available following a school inspection on 26 November 2024. The school received 'Good' judgements for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management, and 'Outstanding' judgements for personal development and early years provision.
Inspectors highlighted:
"Pupils love coming to this highly inclusive school. The Victory Primary School is an integral part of the local community. Staff have created a nurturing environment, so pupils feel safe and listened to. Pupils understand their emotions, and staff help pupils to feel calm and ready for learning. Pupils’ achievement is improving each year because staff focus well on the areas that make the most difference to pupils’ understanding."
Free training and support to empower your students to take a stand against violence and abuse |
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As part of the city's Safer Streets agenda, linked to our Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy we are pleased to share that Portsmouth City Council working with other local councils has launched the Safer Together Hub. This online resource includes information about the Mentors in Violence Prevention programme, including 12 free to download lesson plans, covering a range of topics.
The Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme is an evidence based, effective, peer educator, active bystander intervention programme. MVP builds upon Restorative Practice giving children and young people the opportunity to take a leadership role and providing them with the language and framework to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of abuse. This short video shares the benefits of MVP.
MVP resources can be tailored to be suitable for delivery with children from 9 years old. To date it has been deployed in a range of settings including schools, youth centres and youth organisations across Hampshire.
Free online training to implement MVP within your school starts with an introductory session on Thursday 23 January 2025, followed by Thursday 27 February 2025 and Friday 28 February 2025. To book your place or discuss MVP further, contact Julie Ponton at Julie.Ponton@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. Local providers Stop Domestic Abuse and Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS) have also been trained in MVP.
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