 L3 SENCo Accreditation
There are still places remaining for the Level 3 EY SENCo accreditation starting in September 2025.
If you are a Level 3 practitioner and your setting has not had a free place on the training before, then your setting could qualify for a part-funded place.
The offer to access the L3 at the reduced rate of £508 will be based on a first come, first served basis and you must email eyworkforce@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to register your interest.
L2 SEND Accreditation
There are still 'free' places on the L2 SEND Accreditation for childminders starting in January 2026.
These places will be based on a first come, first served basis and you must email eyworkforce@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to register your interest.
The 'free' places for the L2 SEND Accreditation for group based settings starting in October 2025 have all been booked, however you can still book a place for £215.
The Elizabeth Foundation Training
There are still 'free' places on the 'Learning to Listen and Listening to Learn' training both in the day for group based settings and evening for childminders. This starts in October 2025.
Find out more about Portsmouth Early Years SEND training for 2025/26 on this bulletin. If you would like to find out more or if you require help accessing the Traded Services website, please email EYWorkforce@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
 Congratulations!
 This year's Level 2 SEND practitioners and Level 3 accredited EY SENCos have completed their training and achieved their accreditation. Certificates were awarded in an event last week where the L3 learners shared their reflections and experiences of the course. It was heartwarming and sometimes quite emotional to hear how the course has helped them gain confidence and knowledge and has had such a positive impact on them as individuals and for their settings.
 Feel inspired? Be quick if you want to book onto the next course!
 Tigerlily Training and Anna Bracher are delivering a FREE live webinar on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) on Wednesday 16 July 2025 from 7:00pm. The Zoom link will be sent on registration.
- Learn what causes SIDS
- Discover the latest research
- Get top tips for safe sleep
- Ask your questions directly in the live Q&A
 Whilst the warm summer weather brings lots of opportunities for fun in the sun, there are also additional hazards for our little people. Child Accident Prevention Trust's (CAPT) brand new summer safety page has top tips to keep children safe this summer.
6 dangerous products to avoid this summer
We tend to think ‘If I can buy it for my child, it must be safe’. But sadly, that isn’t always true. To help you spot which products to avoid this summer, CAPT have highlighted some of the big risks to your child’s safety.
Going on holiday?
There’s something about accidents happening on holiday that is especially cruel. So, CAPT have compiled some top tips to make sure your holiday is remembered for all the right reasons.
Why are slushies dangerous for children under 7?
Glycerol is often used to create the slush effect. But in high quantities, especially to small children, glycerol can cause shock, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and loss of consciousness. That’s why slushies with glycerol are now not recommended for children under seven.
 Please see below a brief overview of some of the support and activities available at Portsmouth Family Hubs.
Parenting support for families in Portsmouth (0-18 years)
Helping build strong, confident families - every step of the way.
0-5 Years - Family Hub support
Family Hubs offer a wide range of early years support, including:
- Families in Mind
- Newborn Behaviour Observations
- Video Interactive Guidance (Watch, Wait and Wonder)
- Circle of Security
- Emotional Wellbeing Support (Guided Self-Help)
- Triple P Baby
- Bright Beginnings
There are Family Hub Champions located in five Portsmouth Family Hubs offering support for any family challenges.
Home-Start Portsmouth
Solihull Courses (face-to-face):
- Understanding Pregnancy, Labour, Birth and Your Baby
- Understanding Your Baby
- Understanding Your Child: From Toddler to Teenage
- Dad Matters - support for dads (contact: Andrew – andrewr@hsportsmouth.org.uk / 07512449585)
- The Nurture Programme - building positive relationships
- Volunteer 1:1 support - emotional and practical help
- Big Hopes, Big Futures - school readiness for 3-4-year-olds
- Perinatal Outreach Support - peer groups and home visits
- Royal Navy Families - tailored support and stay & play groups
- Welcome to the World - 8-week antenatal programme
- ARC Outreach Support - for antenatal testing and results
Resources available in Family Hubs
- DadPad (essential guide & quick read)
- Co-Parenting Pad
The Parenting Network
- Bump & Baby (baby massage)
- Young Mums
- Dadzclub
- Baby Bank
- Mischief Makers
- Get Set Go!
- Families Group
- Little Stars (SEN Support)
Online Support - Solihull Approach
Free, expert-led parenting courses available in multiple languages. Use access code: PARENTSUPPORT at In Our Place to explore:
- Understanding Your Baby
- Understanding Your Child (Toddler to Teen)
- Understanding Your Teenager’s Brain
- Understanding Your Own Trauma
- And many more
Courses for professionals are also available using access code PARENTSUPPORT_PRF
4-18 Years - Early Help Parenting offer
Parenting Surgeries
One-off sessions for behavioural challenges. Email: ParentingService@portsmouthcc.gov.uk - include child/parent details, contact info, and a summary of concerns.
Triple P Fearless (6 Weeks)
For parents of children with anxiety. Day and evening options available.
NVR Lite (3 Weeks)
A brief introduction to Non-Violent Resistance techniques to improve parent-child relationships.
Parenting When Separated (6 Weeks)
Supports parents in focusing on their child’s emotional needs during separation.
Parent Plus Children’s Programme (9 Weeks)
For parents of children aged 6-11. Focuses on improving emotional wellbeing, communication, and behaviour management strategies. Ideal for families experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges at home or school.
Parent Plus Special Needs Programme (7 Weeks)
For parents of young people aged 11-18 with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Covers topics such as puberty, relationships, independence, and preparing for adulthood. Designed to support parents in understanding and responding to their child’s unique needs.
NVR (10 Weeks)
For managing harmful behaviours such as school avoidance or self-harm. Referral required from a Lead Professional with a Family Support Plan or Child & Family Assessment.
NVR Drop-In
For parents who have completed the 10-week NVR course. Held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 9:30-11:30 at Somerstown Family Hub.
Stay Connected
- Family Hub Facebook Group
- Family Hub Champions Info
Contact your local Family Hub Champion
Family Hub Champions are available in each of the five Portsmouth Family Hubs to offer friendly, practical support for any parenting or family challenges. To get in touch, email: familyhubchampions@hsportsmouth.org.uk.
 The DfE have organised in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), webinars focusing on counter terrorism protective security and preparedness for education settings.
These webinars will provide an overview of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, and how education settings can consider counter terrorism protection and preparedness.
The webinars are designed to support those working in education settings to better understand the implications of Martyn’s Law and practical steps for preparedness.
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