 The provider portal has been enhanced to support the Local Authority in meeting its statutory obligation to submit the Early Years Census. The Department for Education (DfE) has revised its data collection process, moving from an annual submission to a termly schedule.
The next 'census day' is Thursday 15 January 2026 and the 'week of the census' is week commencing Monday 12 January 2026.
You will not need to take any action until the Spring 2026 Adjustment 1 headcount becomes available on the 12 January 2026.
Upon logging in, you will see a new ‘My Details’ section. Please select the ‘My Details’ tab and choose Spring 2025/26. This will open a data collection page with the headings: Child Statistics, Establishment Characteristics, and Staff Information. Ensure all information is completed accurately under each heading and click ‘Save’ to update your details.
 You now need to complete a termly self review for SENDIF emerging as well as SENDIF+. If you have a child/children in receipt of SENDIF emerging or SENDIF+, please could you complete the form(s) at the buttons below and return to EYInclusion@portsmouthcc.gov.uk no later that 5pm on Monday 5 January. The form must be completed even if the child has left your setting and is mandatory for auditing purposes. Payment will be delayed for the Spring term if the forms are not returned by the deadline.
 Portsmouth families can apply for two winter payment schemes, please find details on the attached flyer at the button below.
The £30 supermarket voucher scheme is for families of children aged 0-19 (including for someone at least 20-weeks pregnant) earning up to £1,870 a month who have not already received a £30 voucher from their school for a child. Opens 18 December to 26 February.
The utilities payment scheme is to help low-income households to pay for water and energy bills, it's open to specific household types. Open now until 29 January.
Check full eligibility for both schemes and how to apply at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/HSF.
 Get ready to share an initiative you are proud of...
To celebrate a decade of the Portsmouth Education Partnership, Teach Portsmouth has opened submissions for The Bright Spark Book, a high-quality publication that shares inspirational schemes, initiatives and projects that have improved outcomes for children and young people. They are asking schools, academies, colleges, and early years settings to share impactful schemes that have made a lasting difference. Each entry will be placed under one of 10 categorised sections, helping to structure the publication.
Lee Branscombe, head teacher at Cottage Grove Primary School and Nursery has shared his Bright Spark Book entry with them for the Attendance and Engagement category. The school launched Attendance Adventures targeting key vulnerable children for whom attendance represented a significant barrier to learning.
This project deployed a staff member to work intensively with families, focusing on removing attendance barriers through proactive home visits, the creation of bespoke home reward charts and behaviour plans, and serving as a stable, single point of contact for parents.
Despite the cessation of funding, the school has continued the program due to evidence of its impact, demonstrated by one pupil's attendance increasing from 54% to 100%.
Alongside each entry, the book will include the 'Bright Spark' or person who led on the scheme, allowing senior leaders to connect with individuals. Teach Portsmouth want every setting to submit something they are proud of, enabling them to share best practice across the city.
 The Neurodiversity Team are seeking your valuable feedback on the Neurodiversity Profiling Tool and the associated pathway within Early Years settings. Your insights will help them understand how the tool is being used, its impact, and how they can improve support for practitioners and families.
Why your feedback matters:
- It will inform future training and resources.
- It will help them refine the pathway to ensure it meets the needs of children and settings.
Please complete the short survey by 30 December 2025 using the QR code or by clicking the button below.
The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous and will be treated confidentially and used only to improve their services.
If you have any questions or need support, please contact claire.mason@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
|
 To avoid disappointment, please book your places on the Spring term training and events now. Most training is free of charge, except where indicated.
 Do you want to learn more about identifying and supporting children with additional needs? Then, this course is for you!
This is an accredited training course starting in January which aims to provide a qualification that will extend practitioner’s knowledge, understanding and skills for best practice when supporting children with SEND in the Early Years.
At the end of the training, practitioners will be awarded Level 2 Cache credits and certification in ‘Understanding the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability’.
We have a limited number of fully funded places available on a first come, first served basis. Usual cost £215.
 Winter activities
Short days and grey skies may lead you to think that there’s not much going on outside at this time of year, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Embrace the winter season by having a go at some of the suggested activities at the button below over the next few months.
Free resources for EYFS
From growing food to getting creative with soil, discover quality-assured activities that bring nature and climate into everyday teaching and learning. Resources help develop foundational skills and support learning and development through play in nature.
 On 1 September 2025, the annual flu vaccination programme for preschool children launched. All children aged 2 and 3 years old (on 31 August before flu vaccination starts in the autumn) are eligible for a free flu vaccination in the form of a quick and painless nasal spray. Some children aged 6 months and older in specific clinical risk groups are also eligible for a vaccine. However, not all parents are aware of this, or take up the offer. We are reminding early years educators about the vaccination programme now because winter is a peak time of year for seasonal illnesses including flu, and we want to make sure as many children as possible (and the professionals who look after them) are protected.
Those working in the early years sector have an important role to play in raising awareness amongst parents about the annual flu vaccination programme. There is further information available for practitioners working in early years settings on the nasal flu vaccination and how to prevent the spread of flu in guidance from UKHSA. An information leaflet for parents and carers and a poster for use in settings is available free to order.
Flu is a common infection in babies and children and can be very unpleasant for them. Children under the age of 5 have one of the highest hospital admission rates for flu compared to other age groups.
Annual vaccination of children helps provide protection to each child and reduces the spread of flu to their families and the wider community, protecting others who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. The flu vaccine also promotes a healthy working environment in nurseries and childcare settings by reducing the risk of flu being spread to others including staff.
Preschool children can get the flu vaccine at their GP surgery, and some participating community pharmacies.
Children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons can request an alternative flu vaccine that is given as an injection instead, which does not contain any porcine gelatine.
 Home-Start are running a 5-week PEEP-informed group, starting Wednesday 7 January at Paulsgrove Family Hub. Families can book on via the stay and play booking link.
 S.A.F.E (Support. Awareness. Family. Empowerment) is Portsmouth's first community event, run by all parts of the mental health services in the city alongside their community partners. The event is taking place on 16 February. Please share the poster below.
 As you close up for holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to start building a culture of good habits to avoid energy waste. Taking a few simple steps now can make a real difference, saving energy, money, and reducing your carbon footprint.
Did you know that about 50% of your electricity is consumed ‘out of hours’? Reducing your baseload energy by 1kW can save you £1,300 per year, and reduce your carbon footprint by 1,800kg.
Top tips for a responsible switch off:
Energy Sparks will be running a new energy email course in January, packed with practical steps to reduce consumption. You will be able to sign up in the new year.
|
