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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.
Independent Chair - Portsmouth Education Partnership
The Portsmouth Education Partnership (PEP) is seeking to appoint a part time Independent Chair, up to 15 days a year over a two-year period initially, in order to provide supportive leadership for continued education improvement in Portsmouth.
We want to build on what the partnership has achieved so far and the commitment that schools, MATs and other stakeholders have shown in getting behind ‘team Portsmouth’, taking collective action to address the priorities that matter to us all.
If you are interested in chairing the PEP Strategic Board, please apply by Friday 13 February 2026.
Inclusion
Updates from Portsmouth SEND Local Offer |
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Book your group into Moving Forward now
Portsmouth SEND Local Offer is now inviting schools, academies and colleges to book their place at Moving Forward.
The event supports young people and adults aged 14–25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), helping them explore their next steps as they move towards greater independence.
This year, Moving Forward will take place at the City of Portsmouth College (Tangier Road Campus) on Friday 20 March 2026, from 9.30am to 3pm. Groups are encouraged to book in advance to help manage capacity.
More than 40 services are expected to attend, providing information on education, employment, health and community support for young people with SEND in Portsmouth. A number of services will also offer fun, interactive stalls designed to engage younger attendees.
If you would like to bring a group of pupils, please email portsmouthlocaloffer@portsmouthcc.gov.uk in the first instance. We will then send you details about how to book a time slot.
 Help promote Moving Forward to families
We can't wait to welcome everyone to the City of Portsmouth College (Tangier Road Campus) in March for Moving Forward. We now need your help to spread the word and encourage families to attend the event.
Please include the text below in your email newsletter and on social media. Parents and carers can find out more information on the Portsmouth SEND Local Offer website.
Text to include:
Find help and support at Moving Forward, an event for young people and adults aged 14 - 25 years old with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) on Friday 20 March from 9:30am - 3pm at the City of Portsmouth College (Tangier Road Campus).
Discover up to 40 exhibitors who will showcase training, employment, health and community services, helping families navigate their options in the city.
There is plenty of parking located at the back of the site with volunteers on hand to direct you. Alternatively, you can catch the bus to the campus from the city centre.
For more information and to get your ticket, visit www.portsmouthlocaloffer.org/movingforward
Updates from Portsmouth Neurodiversity Team |
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Feedback survey
We are gaining views regarding the ND needs led model in Portsmouth and what the impact of this has been and any barriers that are currently in place. We are currently working with the ICB to review the tool and think about any changes or updates that may need to be made.
We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey and let us know your views. Alternatively, please feel free to contact the team directly if there are any views that you would like to share.
Training dates for the spring term
Explore our training dates for the spring term. All our training is free.
Please email the team at Neurodiversity0-19Enquiries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to book on.
Insight Hub
A reminder that all profiling tools should be completed on the Insight Hub. If you need access or a log in to the system, please email the team and we can make arrangements for this. The team have taken on board the feedback we have received from schools regarding the hub, and we are working with Sentinel to make some improvements. We will provide updates regarding this work when it is complete.
Team PADLET and Family Assist
Our team PADLET and Family Assist website both have a range of information about the team and advice regarding support and strategies for parents.
As always, if you have anything you would like to discuss, or need any support, please get in touch directly at Neurodiversity0-19Enquiries@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Young People’s Walk‑In Sexual Health Clinic |
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Education staff play an important role in helping young people access safe, age‑appropriate health services. The Young People’s Walk‑In Sexual Health Clinic in Portsmouth is specifically designed for those aged 18 and under. The clinic runs on a sit‑and‑wait basis, offering free, confidential support tailored to younger service users.
The clinic provides contraception, STI testing, pregnancy testing, relationship and sexual‑health advice, and specialist guidance that complements what pupils learn through PSHE and RSE.
For school staff, being aware of this clinic is an important part of effective signposting and safeguarding. Supporting young people to access the right services at the right time helps protect their health, prevents avoidable issues, and promotes positive wellbeing across school communities.
When: Every Thursday from 3pm - 6pm
Where: St Mary’s Community Campus
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training course 2026 |
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The Educational Psychology team are once again hosting an ELSA training course over six separate days, starting in February 2026. The course is primarily for teaching assistants and learning mentors who wish to support children and young people in all aspects of emotional literacy.
Topics covered will be building relationships, social and friendship skills, self-esteem, emotional regulation, anxiety, neurodiversity, loss and bereavement and emotional wellbeing. Trainee ELSAs will also learn specific techniques such as active listening and writing social stories.
The training will be held at The Training & Learning Centre, The Portsmouth Academy, St Marys Road, Portsmouth over six days (all Tuesdays) on 24 February, 3 March, 24 March, 21 April, 12 May and 9 June 2026.
The cost will be £625 per delegate. Please note there is also an ongoing commitment to attend supervision sessions following training to maintain the ELSA status. See the programme leaflet for details about the ELSA role and upcoming training.
The course can be booked through the Portsmouth Traded Services website (course code PLG2-0226-T003) or by emailing Philippa Wilson (Philippa.Wilson@portsmouthcc.gov.uk).
School improvement
Updates from Teach Portsmouth |
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1. Final call for Bright Sparks Book entries
If your school, academy, college or early years setting is planning to submit an entry for Teach Portsmouth’s Bright Sparks Book, the deadline is today (Wednesday 21 January).
The Bright Sparks Book is a best practice journal showcasing the schemes, initiatives and projects that have helped to improve outcomes for pupils across the city.
Each setting can submit up to three entries, and a photo must be provided for each entry.
For full details and to submit your entry, visit the Teach Portsmouth website today.
2. Partners join exhibitor line up for Education Careers Fair
Local organisations and council services have joined the growing line-up of exhibitors for the Teach Portsmouth Education Careers Fair, taking place on Thursday 5 March, 12pm–4pm.
With 12 exhibitors confirmed so far, alongside a packed programme of presentations and workshops, the event is expected to welcome over 400 visitors through the iconic bronze doors of Portsmouth Guildhall.
There is still time for organisations interested in exhibiting to apply. For more information and to register your interest, please visit the Portsmouth Education Partnership website.
Creative workshops to inform a new educational intervention on antimicrobial resistance
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The Fleming Initiative Education Project at Imperial College London is inviting secondary school students (aged 13–18) to take part in creative workshops to help shape a new education programme on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The workshops will give students the opportunity to explore a real-world public health issue, share ideas on how AMR should be taught in engaging and relevant ways, and contribute to the development of a national educational programme. Sessions will be delivered in-school by trained Imperial researchers and can be scheduled flexibly from February 2026.
Contact Natalie Tham at n.tham@imperial.ac.uk to express your interest.
Vaccine lesson resources |
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Invites for HPV vaccination sessions have now been sent to secondary schools across Portsmouth. This is an ideal time to plan lessons in science and PSHE that help students understand the benefits of vaccinations and support uptake of the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), some strains of which are linked to an increased risk of cancers.
Educating young people about vaccines helps them make informed decisions and promotes confidence in the programme. Uptake of the HPV vaccine in Portsmouth schools is currently low, and teaching students about vaccinations is a vital step to address misconceptions.
Recommended resources
e-Bug
A nationally recognised hub offering interactive lesson plans and activities on hygiene, microbes, and vaccinations for ages 3–16. Cross-curricular, evidence-based, and available in multiple languages. Access: e-Bug website
EDUCATE (University of Bristol)
Co-produced with young people, this resource focuses on HPV vaccination, answering common questions and promoting confidence. Ideal for Year 8 before the vaccine is offered, but adaptable for other age groups. Access: Available via the PSHE Association website through Portsmouth City Council Public Health membership.
For more information, contact PublicHealth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
ASC Portsmouth: School and group trip open evening |
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When: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 4pm - 6pm
Where: ASC Portsmouth, Eastern Road, PO3 5LY
Schools are invited to ASC (Andrew Simpson Centres) Portsmouth to discover a new adventure for your students in 2026!
Tour the centre, find out more about what we have to offer and chat with our team of experts. With a short presentation starting at 4.30pm followed by a tour of the centre, come along, grab a drink and check out the range of activities we have to offer.
Please email portsmouth@andrewsimpsoncentres.org to confirm attendance.
Explore the brochure to discover the range of outdoor adventures available for schools and groups.
Education Conference - University of Portsmouth, 13 February 2026 |
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Don't miss the upcoming University of Portsmouth Education Conference, hosted by the School of Education, Languages and Linguistics. This one-day event brings together teachers, school leaders, professional mentors, FE practitioners, and civic partners to explore how education systems respond to complexity, inequality, and change.
The conference foregrounds belonging, inclusion, professional identity, pedagogy and evidence-informed practice, with contributions from practitioners, researchers and leaders across sectors. It’s designed to support dialogue, strengthen communities of practice, and share practical insights to inform policy, practice, and leadership.
Date: Friday 13 February 2026
Time: 9.30am - 4pm
Venue: Park Building, University of Portsmouth
Registration: Free (spaces are limited – early booking recommended)
Household Support Fund - Exceptional Hardship Scheme - now open! |
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The fourth and final application window of the Household Support Fund Exceptional Hardship Scheme is now open. Residents may apply if they meet the scheme’s criteria and have not received an Exceptional Hardship payment within the last six calendar months. If an applicant has previously received support through the scheme, this will be considered during the assessment process.
Applications can be submitted via the online form or by visiting the Portsmouth City Council website and searching for 'Household Support Fund' and following the link.
This application window will remain open until 12pm on Thursday 26 February 2026. This scheme has a limited amount of funding, and the scheme will close earlier if all funds have been distributed.
Information and support to make an application is also available via the Household Support Fund helpline on 023 9268 8010.
If you have any questions, please contact hsfhardship@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Practical strategies for success in mainstream education settings for SEN pupils
The Inclusion Outreach Service is pleased to share a new training opportunity:
Date: Thursday 12 February 2026 | 9am - 3pm
Location: Redwood Park Academy
Maximum delegates:10 people
Aimed at: All staff supporting children with SEND in key stage 2 or secondary
This course will provide an opportunity to:
- Develop confidence in identifying and making changes in your own setting to meet your pupil’s needs.
- Understand how to prepare and support KS2 pupils for the transition to secondary.
- Explore ways to support learners with SEND succeed in a mainstream secondary environment .
- Explore practical strategies, alongside the theory underpinning these and how they strategies can be adapted and personalised to meet the individual learners in your classroom.
- Spend time within the specialist classrooms, seeing transferrable strategies and activities in action.
- A chance for discussion and to ask questions with staff from across the Solent Academies Trust.
- Reflection and questions about what you have seen and discuss how to adapt this for your setting.
To book a place, please email Stephanie.Andrews@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
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