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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
New SEND workforce training resource on the Local Offer |
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As part of the SENDAP strategy we have been mapping the extensive training that is currently available to support professionals working with children and young people with SEND. We are delighted to launch a new page on the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website.
Please share this message and the link to this page with your teams and contacts. We know that a lot of colleagues are keen to develop skills in these areas, but don’t always know what training is available or how to access it.
The training is organised into broad areas of need:
- Cognition and learning
- Sensory needs and impairment
- Social emotional and mental health
- Neurodiversity
- Speech, language and communication
- Health and physical disabilities
Training that covers more than one of these areas may be listed as “generic”.
Some training may be applicable to certain roles, but in general the levels are not about specific job roles or level of qualifications or skills.
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Level 1 – All people, including the workforce and all children, young people and young adults, people in the community.
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Level 2 – Those people who are likely to be regularly working with children and families with SEND.
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Level 3 – Those who have a specific remit to work with children with SEND and their families or manage services focused on SEND.
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Level 4 – Those who have a specific remit to provide specialist support.
Please be aware that it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all training available. The courses on this page are delivered or commissioned by partners working as part of the SEND AP partnership in Portsmouth. We have also included courses from national SEND partners or endorsed by the Department for Education or the Council for Disabled Children.
If you are aware of any inaccuracies or omissions on the page, please contact SharedMailbox.SENDStrategy@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. We are developing this online resource and will continue to update the training offer.
For your information, we will be working with our parent carer groups to develop a page outlining training and courses that are specifically aimed at parents and carers.
Mental health forum |
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 Portsmouth Mental Health Support Team would like to invite all educational settings to this year's last instalment of the Mental Health Forum on Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 3.30pm. The mental health forum offers a unique opportunity for education professionals to come together to explore mental health best practices. It also gives time to discuss shared challenges. The agenda is available to view on Eventbrite when you reserve your spot.
School improvement
Primary subject leader meetings - summer term |
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The next PEP curriculum subject leader network meetings are to be held on Wednesday 21 May 2025, 4pm - 5pm, with the addition of another half-termly maths meeting which will be held on Thursday 26 June. (N.B. the maths and languages meetings start at 3.30pm).
- There are now separate groups for art and DT.
- The meeting for languages led by Liz Lord will be held at Copnor Primary School.
- The link for the virtual RE leaders meeting led by Justine Ball is here: Join the meeting now
Portsmouth: The Digital City updates |
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1. Outreach offer for schools
We have now opened up our outreach offer to schools within the city who do not have an SLA and those beyond, who would like to be a part of our multi-award winning project.
If you are not currently working with us, or you know of schools who would benefit from the support, please contact Gemma Gwilliam at GGwilliam@portsmouththedigitalcity.co.uk.
2. Create and Connect
Schools are invited with priority access to our first ever Create and Connect: The Canva Edition on either Monday 2 June or Tuesday 17 June 2025. The event will run from 3.30pm to 6pm and will be hosted at Portsmouth Primary SCITT.
Create and Connect is a relaxed and inspiring Canva-powered event designed for educators and digital leaders across Portsmouth. This gathering is more than just a creative session — it’s a chance to explore how design tools like Canva can play a vital role in enhancing teaching and learning, reducing workload, and supporting accessibility and inclusion for all.
As part of our shared commitment to narrowing the digital divide, this event invites you to discover how thoughtful, purposeful use of technology can empower everyone — from classroom teachers to school leaders — to choose the right tool, at the right time, for the right outcome.
Through live demonstrations of the latest features, a panel of local Canvassadors, and hands-on creative time in our ‘learnalong’ space, you’ll connect with others who are passionate about using technology not just to create, but to create impact.
Spaces are limited to 40 people per session and will be offered on a first come, first served basis, with priority access to our gold and silver schools.
To register, please complete the online form by Monday 19 May 2025. Please feel free to share with your school team and as always, if you have any questions, let Gemma know.
Tesco grant opportunities for schools |
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Tesco Stronger Starts offers a grant of up to £1500, with a current focus on supporting schools and young people. The grant could be used to support food provision or purchasing equipment.
As part of their grant scheme, Tesco has teamed up with The Sun to introduce a "cooking for all" grant which will get children cooking up a storm. They are looking for kids groups and schools to apply for the £1000 grant. There are 150 grants available. Applications close at 12pm on Friday 30 May 2025 but decision making will be happening throughout the window.
Tesco also have a partnership with digital matters, an interactive platform to support online safety education for children ages 9-11. It provides resources for teachers to help children learn how to stay safe. Teachers can assess full lesson resources, including lesson plans, slides and teaching guides. There is also a campaign running from Tuesday 22 April to Friday 13 June 2025 where schools can win prizes.
National Education Nature Park webinar for schools |
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The National Education Nature Park programme empowers children and young people to make a positive difference to both their own and nature's future. Go on a journey to get to know your outdoor space and use creative decision-making to improve your grounds for both people and nature. These free programmes provide all educators with the resources, support and guidance to embed climate and nature into learning in a way that suits your setting and learners.
Discover how you can get started on your National Education Nature Park journey in a short webinar on Monday 19 May 2025 at 4pm.
We'll guide you through the first steps of the programme, from creating your site boundary and starting habitat mapping, to navigating our resources. Be empowered to enable your students to connect with nature while contributing to a nationwide project and helping to bring more nature into your school grounds. Perfect for educators looking to inspire the next generation of environmental champions.
Athletic Skills Model - Fundamental movement, activity for all |
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Founded in the Netherlands in 1992, with growing, robust evidence based, used in both elite sport (Dutch national football team) and within everyday activity. The Athletic Skills Model (ASM) is based around the 10 fundamental skills needed to optimum health. Children developing these skills have the basis to take part in any sport or activity.
A specially designed one hour introduction workshop has been set up for schools wishing to know more.
Portsmouth City Council has been working with the University of Portsmouth to bring ASM to Portsmouth, opening the first PLAYCE in UK in Landport in 2024.
Sail GP |
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This July, an international racing event will be taking place in the Solent. Foiling catamarans from different nations will be competing in a number of Sail GP races in the wonderful waterway between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. By the time the boats reach us, they will already have competed in races in Australia, Dubai, New York and Rio de Janeiro.
Schools with pupils in KS2 are invited to take part in an Impact League competition, for a chance to win a fabulous class prize to attend a half-day session on Southsea Seafront with the RYA and Andrew Simpson Centre, spending time on the water and enjoying dry land STEM activities. There are 4 of these fantastic prizes on offer!
To find out more and get involved, please complete the online form.
If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to email Nicky Quinney the Schools Games Organiser: nquinney@priorysouthsea.org or Sharon Robertson at Energise Me: sharon.robertson@energiseme.org
City leaders unveil teaching assistant retention charter |
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 A charter designed to help schools and academies retain teaching assistants was officially unveiled at Teach Portsmouth's latest jobs fair on Thursday 1 May 2025 at Central Library.
Mike Stoneman, deputy director, education and Councillor Nick Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council joined delegates to reveal the seven principles set out in the charter.
The charter has been developed using feedback from a survey completed by 179 teaching assistants and a focus group attended by school staff. Using this information, a draft version of the charter was co-produced and shared with stakeholder groups for feedback. 80 people attended the event to discover employment and training opportunities in early years, primary, secondary and post-16 education with exhibitors hailing it a success.
Ofsted report for Solent Junior School |
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A new Ofsted report is now available for Solent Junior School, following a school inspection on 11-12 March 2025. Inspectors highlighted:
"Pupils enjoy attending this friendly and inclusive school, where they are happy and safe.
They know staff are always on hand if they need support or have a worry. The school is
filled with warm relationships. Parents agree, with one summing up the views of many
others: ‘You can really tell how much the staff at Solent value the children and put them
at the forefront of everything that they do."
Maths KS2-3 transition event |
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Work across the city supporting schools to continue developing maths has highlighted the vital importance of transition between upper key stage 2 into key stage 3. Solent Maths Hub have put together an event aimed at bringing together city maths teachers from year 5 to year 8 to participate in an after school, in-person twilight on Wednesday 2 July 2025, 3.30pm - 5.30pm at the Portsmouth Marriott.
The session will be based on EEF KS2-3 recommendations for improving maths in KS2-3 and will include collaboration activities and high-quality CPD for all attendees. It is free to attend for all schools.
Household Support Fund Exceptional Hardship Scheme |
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The Household Support Fund Exceptional Hardship Scheme has been created to assist households in exceptional hardship and unable to afford essential daily living costs or an essential household purchase due to an unmanageable drop in income or increase in household costs. The scheme is open to residents who meet the eligibility criteria and haven't received an exceptional hardship payment in the last six calendar months.
Please see the scheme policy and FAQs which include details of eligibility criteria, household income thresholds and how to apply.
Applications can be submitted by visiting the Portsmouth City Council website.
The scheme will open for public applications in four windows. The first application window is now open and will close at 12:00 noon on Thursday 12 June 2025, with further windows anticipated to open in July, October and January. Exact dates of these application windows will be published on the Household Support Fund webpage. This scheme has a limited amount of funding, and the scheme will close earlier if all funds have been distributed.
Information and support to make an application is also available via the Household Support Fund helpline on 023 9268 8010. If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact the team on hsfhardship@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Calling all Portsmouth families! |
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 Do you walk or cycle regularly in Portsmouth? We're looking for families to feature in a short video for our Air Quality Heroes campaign. This is your chance to inspire others to walk and cycle more, helping to create cleaner air for Portsmouth and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Share your story and show others how walking and cycling is a convenient, cost-effective and healthy choice for you and your family.
How to express your interest:
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