 Fledglings Pre-school are part of the ELSEC (Early Language Support for Every Child) programme and have been working hard to screen all of their children using the WELCOMM tool and then deliver the Early Talk Boost intervention for those whose language skills need further development.
Whilst providing this support, they have also been reflecting on their enabling environment and how it supports effective communication and language.
Manager, Louise, and her team reviewed the environment from the child's perspective and adapted their resources and displays to be more accessible, visually calming and enticing for children to use in an open-ended world of play.
Louise said: "Over the Summer holiday, we painted over the murals and made the walls all neutral coloured. We reduced the resources in the room, getting rid of most of the plastic toys and only keeping our natural resources and loose parts. We commissioned a new art and craft table and also fitted a giant sand pit in the room. Our drying rack was replaced with garden trellis, so that the children can display their work whilst it is drying. All other displays have been taken away as the children were not using them.
The result of these changes are that the children are calmer and spend more time at each resource, rather than flitting around the room. The natural loose parts allow the children to develop their imaginations and overall the room is a nicer place to be".
Before:
 After:
 One of the SALT from the ELSEC Team and Ella from the EY team did a joint learning walk at Fledglings recently and found strong communication and language support for children and an environment that supported a range of needs.
Karen the SALT said: "From working with Fledglings Nursery over the past year the ELSEC Team have always felt so welcomed. The staff are incredibly receptive to any advice, ideas or support shared by our team. They truly value each child as an individual and are keen to put in place all the support they can to give each child the best start in life. As a team we are aware of how busy early years can be and all they must juggle, we have been so impressed with how reactive the staff are to incorporating new advice and intervention into their practice!"
Well done to Fledglings, keep up the great ELSEC work!
 Take a look at these 10 fantastic, practitioner-curated books all about starting school and nursery compiled by Alistair Bryce-Clegg.
 This summer, encourage your families to take part in 50 things to do before you're 5 in Portsmouth.
- #26 - Splish, Splash, Splosh will be a good activity in August and help to keep you cool!
- #49 - Grass Grazing is another fun activity to do on those sunny summer days.
- #47 - Great Portsmouth Baking will occupy children and parents alike if you want to stay indoors and enjoy some family time together.
Whatever you choose to do from our 50 things experiences, you will be supporting children's communication and language skills, building memories and having fun.
So take part by scanning the QR code or clicking the button below to visit our website and download our fantastic FREE app!
 |
|
Family Hubs and Public Libraries have the 50 things card packs and posters. Why not pop in and grab one to help you choose some of your 50 experiences. Whilst in the libraries, you can borrow some of the books that are featured in our 50 things.
|
 This summer, ditch the car, grab your bike and join 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 the prize draw.
Join between 11:00am and 2:00pm at one of the 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. 50% off used bikes in partnership with Portsmouth Cycle Exchange (£50 maximum discount) is also being offered.
 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.
 The summer holidays are an exciting time for children and young people as school and college finishes for the academic year. For families looking for accessible and low-cost activities, it can be a challenge to find things to do that are affordable.
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 Home-Start Family Festival in Victoria Park, there is something for everyone this season.
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!
|
 As anticipated, the DfE have revised the EYFS for groups/schools and the EYFS for childminders. These have been published and will be effective from 1 September 2025. Please remember that it is only the safeguarding and welfare requirements that have been updated, section 1 - learning and development requirements and section 2 - assessment, remain the same.
Pay attention to revised guidance regarding the following, and update your practice and policies accordingly:
- Whistleblowing
- Child absences
- References
- Vaping
- Safeguarding training (Annex C)
- Safer eating
- Sleeping arrangements
- Intimate hygiene
If you require support implementing any of the revisions, please contact your linked Quality and Sufficiency Officer (QSO) or email eydelivery@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
We will discuss the revisions at our next Early Years Termly Provider Briefing happening on 23 September 2025 at 10am via MS Teams. Please book your place here. If you are unable to attend, please be assured that these briefings are recorded and the recording will be shared after the event.
We are in discussion with the PSCP regarding their training programme for Early Years Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and will publish their training offer in due course.
|
