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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
Largest Local Offer Live ever set to connect families and SEND services in Portsmouth |
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We’re delighted to announce that Portsmouth SEND Local Offer Live is returning on Thursday 6 November 2025, and this year’s event is set to be the biggest yet. Held at the John Pounds Centre from 10am to 2.30pm, the event is free to attend and welcomes families, carers, and professionals who support children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Local Offer Live brings together a wide range of services, organisations, and community groups from across Portsmouth, all under one roof. It’s a unique opportunity to discover what support is available locally, speak directly with service providers, and gather information tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking advice, exploring new opportunities, or simply want to connect with others in the SEND community, this event is designed to help.
In addition to exhibitor stands, this year’s event will feature informative talks from the Portsmouth Neurodiversity Team and the Mental Health Support Team (MHST), offering insights into the support available for children and young people in education and beyond.
To view the full schedule and list of exhibitors, please visit the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website. You can download a poster to help promote the event here.
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Portsmouth Boys' Impact Hub - Practitioner training |
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Designing impactful programmes and initiatives for young men who are eligible for free school meals
On Wednesday 3 December 2025, 1pm - 3pm, the Portsmouth Boys' Impact Hub will be running an in-person, practical training session. This will be one of a series of three training sessions, designed to support you in cascading key learnings and approaches to programme design, throughout your own settings. This is the power of the Boys' Impact hubs - providing access to training, resources and networks that enable on-the-ground change to happen, and collating the impact of those activities to influence change at policy level.
The session will cover:
- Learning the rules - where do young men learn what it is to be a man?
- Young men's exposure to harmful ideologies - the manosphere, it's impact on mental health and it's influence in schools
- Educator assumptions - the value of appreciative inquiry
- Taking boys seriously - an introduction to principles supporting relational practice with FSM boys
If you have any questions, please contact kristian.barratt@port.ac.uk.
School improvement
Put your school on the map with the National Education Nature Park |
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The National Education Nature Park is a free programme for all schools, nurseries and colleges in England, helping bring climate and nature into everyday teaching and learning.
Commissioned by the Department for Education, led by the Natural History Museum and Royal Horticultural Society. It helps schools put nature at the heart of education – giving pupils the chance to explore their own site, understand what’s there, and take action to improve it for people and wildlife. By adding their progress to the Nature Park map, schools join others across the country – showing pupils the collective difference they are making. This hands-on, student-led action helps increase biodiversity, reduce climate anxiety and builds hope, connection, and responsibility.
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Register now to get started and add your school to the national map!
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Join a free webinar on getting started with the Nature Park on Thursday 16 October 2025, 4pm - 4.45pm.
Updates from Teach Portsmouth |
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 1. Exhibit at the Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair
Schools are invited to exhibit at the Support and Teaching Assistant Jobs Fair 2025, which returns to Portsmouth Central Library on Wednesday 19 November 2025, 10am - 2pm.
This event offers a unique opportunity for schools to connect with local residents who are eager to begin or advance their careers in education.
As an exhibitor, your school can:
- Promote current and upcoming vacancies
- Offer insight into the day-to-day life of support staff
- Host taster sessions to give candidates a real feel for the role
Whether you're recruiting now or simply want to raise your profile, this event is a powerful way to engage with passionate individuals ready to make a difference in education.
To reserve your space, please email teachportsmouth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by Friday 5 November 2025.
2. Help to promote the Love to Teach: Routes into Training webinar
Teach Portsmouth is working with training providers across the city to ensure children and young people have the professionals they need to thrive in the classroom.
The Love to Teach: Routes into Training webinar takes place on Wednesday 15 October 2025, from 5pm to 6pm, and offers an exciting first step for anyone interested in becoming a teacher. The session will help attendees explore their training options and understand the pathways into the profession.
We’re asking schools and colleges to share this information with parents and carers to help raise awareness and interest in teaching as a career. Please include the suggested text and image in your school newsletters and social media pages.
For something more bespoke, please email TeachPortsmouth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
City of Languages partners' meeting |
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The next City of Languages partners meeting will take place on Tuesday 14 October 2025 from 3.30pm to 4.30pm via Microsoft Teams. View the meeting agenda here.
This is a joint initiative launched by the city’s language providers, the local authority and other interested groups to showcase good practice in language provision at all levels, signpost to resources and develop networks, as well as celebrating languages in the city.
Everyone is welcome. Please share with any colleagues who might wish to attend.
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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra free KS2 schools concert |
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Bookings are now live for Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's (BSO) brand-new Explore the Orchestra: Four Elements Concert, coming to the Portsmouth Guildhall at 1.30pm on Thursday 22 January 2026!
This free concert is designed for KS2 students, and will be presented by award-winning composer, James Redwood. Explore the Orchestra: Four Elements features music that seeks to uncover the mysteries of the four elements of our natural world that have inspired scientific discovery. So, prepare to open your mind as we go on a journey exploring music from the traditional and familiar, to the contemporary and unknown. This concert will feature a participatory song and body percussion piece for everyone to perform. Through these pieces, the audience will learn to sing and perform with the orchestra and be introduced to all the instruments that make up a Symphony Orchestra.
A free teacher CPD session will be held on Monday 10 November 2025, 4.15pm - 5.45pm at the Portsmouth Guildhall. This session will provide teachers with everything they need to prepare their class for the concert, alongside valuable resources and fun teaching ideas. At least one member of staff from each participating school is asked to attend the CPD session – who will also be involved on the day of the concert.
It will be an unforgettable musical experience for students and teachers. Spaces are limited and early booking is highly recommended to avoid missing out.
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Participation and progression
Women in Engineering Insight Experience |
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BAE Systems is offering a Women in Engineering Insight Experience at Portsmouth Naval Base for roles in Portsmouth, Broad Oak (Hilsea) and Cowes.
In January and February 2026, held over a total of four days both virtually and in-person, they are offering current year 11 and year 13 students hands-on engineering experience, working with BAE Systems skills coaches. They will also hear from inspiring female BAE Systems apprentices, who will provide insights into their roles and experiences.
The four days end with an interview for a full-time position on one of BAE Systems’ engineering apprenticeships, starting September 2026.
Programme dates for opportunities in Portsmouth, Broad Oak (Hilsea) and Cowes are expected to be: 12, 21, 26 January and 2 February 2026. Dates subject to final confirmation. In-person sessions and interviews will be held at Portsmouth Naval Base.
To find out more and apply online, visit the BAE Systems website no later than Monday 10 November 2025. Places are limited, so early application is recommended.
Free stop smoking support |
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 Evidence has shown that smokers are three times more likely to stop successfully with expert support.
This Stoptober, the Portsmouth Wellbeing Service are offering free stop smoking support to anyone living or working in PO1-PO6:
- Tesco Extra, Fratton, PO4 8FD on Mondays 1-3pm
- John Pound Centre, PO1 3HN on Tuesdays 9am-12pm
- John Jenkins Stadium, PO3 6LA on Wednesdays 4-7pm
- Paulsgrove Community Centre, PO6 4JB on Thursdays 4-7pm
There is no need to book, just turn up. Residents can also access stop smoking support from many local pharmacies in Portsmouth.
Hop on board the PR4 to the Great South Run |
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Whether you're taking part in the Great South Run or cheering on friends, family, or colleagues, if you're travelling from outside or north of the city, choose Portsmouth Park and Ride for a convenient and sustainable journey to the event.
Park and ride's dedicated PR4 bus service takes just 20 minutes to reach Southsea Common. PR4 services start at 7am on Saturday 18 October 2025 and 6.20am on Sunday 19 October 2025, running frequently throughout both days.
Park and ride day return tickets are just £5 for up to five people. Buy your ticket via the First Bus app, or directly from the driver using cash, card, or contactless payment.
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