A changing of the guard for the Portsmouth Education Partnership
This is my final message as I step down as chair at the end of term, after four years.
This started during covid, supporting through the turbulent times of recovery, and then came the Portsmouth Education Investment Area (PEIA), with funding and an opportunity to refresh and renew.
On both occasions, PEP came into its own. The partnership collectively rose to the challenge. For that, I thank you all - you are PEP!
It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to serve as independent chair. In an increasingly fragmented education landscape, genuine collaboration remains all too rare, yet it is more vital than ever. I firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve the very best for all of Portsmouth’s children.
You will hear more in September, but I am leaving you in the very capable hands of the newly appointed chair of PEP, James Stuart.
Frances Soul
Independent chair of the Portsmouth Education Partnership
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Following in the footsteps of our accomplished independent chair, who has so skilfully guided the PEP through some challenging times, I will be stepping down as deputy director for education, after more than ten years!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the role, and it is with very mixed feelings that I have decided to take early retirement and a short career break before returning to part time/consultancy work next year.
As Frances has already stated, the level of collaboration and partnership working in Portsmouth is second to none and is the envy of many of my peers who work in other LA areas.
As I leave my post, I can draw strength from a picture of improving education outcomes in Portsmouth both in terms of Ofsted inspections and in terms of attainment and attendance which has seen a closing of the gap between Portsmouth and the national picture.
This is set against a backdrop of inclusive practice that seeks to fulfil the potential of every child in the city, no matter what their background or circumstance.
I have had the privilege to lead the education service and have been fortunate to have such a dedicated and professional team of staff who continue to ably deliver a vast array of statutory and traded service responsibilities despite the challenges of ever decreasing resources and increasing levels of demand.
Many thanks to everyone that has supported (and challenged) me. Good luck Portsmouth in 2025/26. I'll be watching!
Mike Stoneman
Deputy director, education
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Inclusion
Mental health guidance for children and young people |
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We have recently updated our mental health guidance for children and young people which offers parents, carers and professionals clear and simple advice on the support available.
The guidance includes quick guides for easy reference, links to useful resources and information on where, how and when a child can access support if they are experiencing a mental health issue.
Have a SEND-sational summer with free and low-cost activities in Portsmouth |
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The summer holidays are an exciting time for children and young people as school and college come to a close for the academic year. For families seeking accessible and low-cost activities, finding affordable things to do can be a challenge.
Portsmouth SEND Local Offer is a central resource where families and professionals can find information about support, services, and opportunities available for children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in Portsmouth.
To help everyone have a summer to remember, community groups and organisations have shared information about accessible activities and events. From the colourful Portsmouth International Kite Festival on Southsea Common to the Homestart Family Festival in Victoria Park, there is something for everyone this season.
Parents/carers can check back regularly throughout the summer holidays as more events and activities are added. For more information, visit the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website today!
School improvement
Attend Solent Language Network’s Careers with Languages event |
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The Solent Language Network is pleased to invite primary and secondary schools to take part in the Careers with Languages event on Monday 6 October as part of the fortnight of focus on careers and employment with languages.
The event is part of a broader fortnight of celebration running from 6 to 17 October, which will also include competitions and promotional videos showcasing careers with languages.
The morning programme for secondary schools will run from 9.00am to 11.50am at Admiral Lord Nelson School.
This exciting and interactive morning is aimed at year 8 and year 9 students, designed to support them with the GCSE options process by exploring the rich and varied career opportunities that language learning can open up.
Morning programme:
Throughout the morning, students will take part in a variety of engaging and informative activities including:
- Team-building challenges and quizzes focused on global culture and business
- Inspiring videos about real-life careers that use languages and experiences from students who have studied abroad
- Motivational talks from speakers who use languages in their professional lives
- An interactive job hunt exploring roles where languages are key
- Futbol Lingo workshop that links the worlds of football and languages
The afternoon programme for primary schools will run from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Admiral Lord Nelson School.
This interactive afternoon session is designed to inspire younger learners (years 5 and 6) by introducing them to the exciting world of languages and the diverse careers that language skills can lead to.
Afternoon programme:
During the session, students will take part in a variety of fun and motivating activities including:
- Team-building icebreaker activities to connect through languages
- Inspirational motivational talks encouraging students to appreciate language learning
- Engaging videos showcasing careers with languages and student experiences abroad
- A lively quiz exploring global cultures and traditions
- Launch of a creative poster competition celebrating language learning
- Futbol Lingo workshop that links the worlds of football and languages
This free event offers a powerful opportunity to inspire students to see languages not just as a subject, but as a gateway to global careers.
Places are limited - so colleagues are strongly encouraged to book early to secure participation. Secondary schools can bring up to 15 students.
To confirm your school’s attendance, contact Elle Smith at esmith@salterns.org by Friday 19 September. Include the number of students and staff attending.
Get Active Portsmouth! |
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 This summer, ditch the car, grab your bike and join us for a series of free family fun days in parks across Portsmouth! Whether you’re looking to get fitter, explore more of the city, or just enjoy a great day out with the family, there’s something for everyone — and it’s all completely free!
Discover the benefits of swapping car journeys for greener, cleaner ways to travel like walking and cycling. One lucky person will also win a bike, lock and helmet in our prize draw.
Join us between 11am and 2pm at one of our local park events for a jam-packed day of fun, fitness, and freebies. Sign up on Eventbrite using the links below, or just turn up:
There's plenty of activities to get involved with, including a cycle obstacle course, inflatables, face painting for the kids, bike safety checks and security marking. We are also offering up to 50% off used bikes in partnership with Portsmouth Cycle Exchange (£50 maximum discount).
Find out more at www.travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/getactive.
Stomp for Stamps |
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Looking for a fun, free way to keep the kids active and entertained over the summer holidays? Stomp for Stamps is back and it’s the perfect family activity to enjoy together!
This exciting treasure hunt-style challenge encourages children to explore Portsmouth’s parks and green spaces while walking, cycling, scooting or wheeling. It’s a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and discover new parts of the city, all without needing the car!
Here’s how it works:
- Pick up a free map book and pencils from any Portsmouth library.
- Head out to explore five fun routes across the city, each featuring a friendly Pompey Monster and a hidden plaque with an animal or insect design.
- Children can take colourful rubbings of the plaques and collect a sticker from the library for each one they complete.
- Complete at least three routes to earn a special prize - a reusable Pompey Monsters metal water bottle, to be given out by your school when term starts again.
- Plus, new for this year children can try the decoder challenge. Find symbols on each route to decode a hidden phrase for the chance to win a brand-new telescope!
Most routes are designed to be wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, so everyone can join in. Along the way, children will build confidence in map-reading, enjoy creative activities, and learn about healthy, active travel all while having fun as a family.
It’s a brilliant way to stay active and healthy, learn new skills and enjoy quality time outdoors. To get started, just visit your local library to collect your free map and crayon.
Find out more at: www.travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/stompforstamps
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