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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
Royal Navy and Royal Marines nurturing programme |
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Home-Start Portsmouth is offering a 10-week free programme for all Hampshire Navy and Marine parents. Open to all naval families across Hampshire, this structured parenting course offers a safe and supportive space to reflect and grow as a family. Each session is confidential and shaped around the unique experience of naval family life.
It’s an opportunity to connect with other military parents, share stories, and develop practical tools that help family life thrive… even when things feel unpredictable. A free crèche is available for children under 5.
The programme takes place at The Haven, 17 Lake Road, PO1 4HA. The next start dates are:
- Friday 17 April 2026, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
- Friday 18 September 2026, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
A poster to share with families who may benefit from attending can be downloaded here.
School improvement
Help to promote the Teach Portsmouth Education Careers Fair |
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 The Teach Portsmouth team need your help in attracting parents/carers to attend the Teach Portsmouth Education Careers Fair 2026 at Portsmouth Guildhall on Thursday 5 March from 12pm to 4pm. Exhibitors will promote jobs, training and volunteering opportunities in schools and colleges across the city.
We are asking schools and colleges to share this information with parents and carers to increase interest and awareness about careers in education. Please include this suggested text and image in your school newsletters and social media pages. A poster to print or share online is also available.
For something more bespoke, please email teachportsmouth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Ofsted report for Meon Junior School |
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A new Ofsted report is available for Meon Junior School, following a school inspection on 25 November 2025. Inspectors highlighted:
"Meon Juniors is a welcoming and highly inclusive school. Pupils explore and celebrate their differences, recognising that they are 'all different but all part of the same school' community. Pupils behave well and learn to treat one another with kindness. Staff understand pupils' needs well. They make adaptations to learning to support pupils in overcoming any barriers. Effective teaching and positive relationships mean that pupils achieve well, including the most vulnerable pupils."
Tate Schools: Free online resources sparking creativity in the classroom |
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 Image credit: Tate Schools @ Tate (Larina Fernandes)
Introducing Tate Schools, a brand new free digital platform dedicated to teachers bringing Tate’s national collection of art directly into classrooms across the UK.
Designed with teachers to support curriculum goals in a way that sparks creativity, curiosity, and connection,Tate Schools is highly flexible to meet the requirements of your classroom.
Explore diverse global perspectives, and engage with inclusive, sensory-friendly prompts that support all learners to develop their practical and disciplinary knowledge.
From quick 10-minute challenges to immersive digital experiences for groups; you can find new artworks through Discover Art, listen to artists in their own words, explore new materials and techniques through Art Makes, and use Tate Draw to experiment with digital collaboration.
Visit the Tate Schools website to find out more and sign up for the Tate Schools newsletter to receive the latest resources, opportunities and information.
This project was developed with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator for Arts and Culture.
International Women's Day - Stories Behind the Poppy |
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This International Women’s Day, join schools across the UK and Canada to celebrate the contribution of Canadian and British women to the armed forces during the World Wars.
Book your free place on Thursday 5 March 2026 and join classes for a historical look back at the impact of women on the war effort ahead of International Women’s Day.
Each 45 minute event will be held on Zoom. Events are free for schools from Canada and the UK to attend. Open to pupils 8-14 year olds.
Early years
Multi-agency infant feeding awareness training |
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Breastfeeding is the biggest public health intervention there is, with huge benefits to both mum and baby in the short and long-term. Yet 8 out of 10 mothers stop breastfeeding before they want to. Portsmouth families tell us they need all services to be more informed and able to support them with their feeding choices.
Whether you're a social worker, children’s nurse, working in early years or other roles supporting families in their first 1001 days, join us and learn how you can make a difference!
In-person (Block C, St Mary's Community Health Campus)
- Monday 9 March 2026, 1pm - 4pm
- Friday 3 July 2026, 9.30am - 1pm
- Thursday 3 September 2025, 9.30am - 1pm
Online
- Thursday 23 April 2026, 11am - 2.30pm
- Friday 9 October 2026, 11am - 2.30pm
Please email sophie.burgues1@nhs.net to book your place.
Year 9 teen boosters |
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Please help us promote the year 9 teen boosters in your parent communications:
Parents of Year 9 children in Portsmouth: Year 9s Teen Boosters are available
Please look out for invites and communications about the Teen Booster.
Please complete the eForm if you haven't already. Alternatively contact 0300 123 5074 or email hiowh.portsimms@nhs.net
For more information, visit the Health for Kids website.
Portsmouth BookFest is back! |
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Bringing a host of children's and family-friendly events across the city.
Make the most of what the festival has to offer over three weeks. Children's week runs over the half-term (Monday 16 to Saturday 21 February) with puppet theatre, storytelling and The Gruffalo, events are low cost and some are free to book.
There's a two-week adult's programme running from Monday 23 February to Sunday 8 March, and don't miss the film programme from Tuesday 17 February to Sunday 1 March.
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Get ready to meet the lions of the Pride of Portsmouth! |
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All shortlisted designs for the Pride of Portsmouth public art trail will be on show at Aspex Portsmouth from Thursday 12 February to Sunday 22 February.
This free, family‑friendly exhibition gives you the chance to explore the wildly creative lion designs up close before the final selection is made. After the exhibition, a chosen group of artists will be commissioned to transform their ideas into 45 full‑size lion sculptures, ready to take over the city this summer!
Running throughout February half term, it’s a fun, accessible way for all ages to discover local talent, back your favourites, and get excited for the trail ahead.
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Could you use your skills to make a difference to the lives of children with additional needs? |
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Many of our young people have learning and physical disabilities, complex health needs or had life experiences which require the care of someone who has relevant expertise such as those from the education sector.
As well as other types of fostering, this can take the form of respite care on a one-off or regular basis for a child as part of a support package.
Our foster carers receive enhanced training, 24/7 support, and a competitive financial package, as well as becoming eligible for tax relief, additional monetary support, discounts and benefits.
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