Bright Sparks Book is being distributed

The Bright Sparks Book has been created to celebrate 10 years of the Portsmouth Education Partnership, showcasing initiatives that have made a real difference to children and young people across the city.

Earlier this year, schools were invited to submit projects to be included in the book. This brought together practical examples for school leaders and staff. Each entry highlights a successful approach and includes the contact details of the “Bright Spark” behind it, making it easy to connect and learn from others.

Hard copies of the publication will be sent to all schools next week. These should be left in reception or the staffroom and shared with the Bright Sparks who are mentioned in the book. You might want to celebrate the Bright Spark's contribution in an assembly, staff briefing or school newsletter. If you do share on social media, please tag Teach Portsmouth (search “Teach Portsmouth” on your preferred platform).

Any questions, please email teachportsmouth@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. 

Elective Home Education Community Drop-In

All are welcome to attend the Summer Elective Home Education (EHE) Community Drop-In on Monday 6 July 2026, from 11am to 2pm at Somerstown Community Hub (Sports Hall).

This free event will showcase updates on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and Post-16 careers and progression, with opportunities to speak to a range of services and find out about the support available. Children are welcome to attend but must be fully supervised at all times.

Attendees will have the opportunity to chat with representatives from the Education Team, SEN Team, Neurodiversity Service, Immunisation Service, Mental Health Support Service and Family Hubs, and access information, advice and support in an informal setting.

Please share the attached flyer.

Further information can be found on the Local Offer website.

HAF Fun Pompey returns for the summer holidays 

Portsmouth's Holiday Activities and Food programme provides fun activities and healthy food throughout the school holidays.

Children and young people aged 5-16 who receive benefits-related free school meals can take part for free, and some providers also offer pay-as-you-go options.

Children can enjoy sports, performing arts, games and creative activities, and a tasty meal is included in every session. Families can check their eligibility online.

Find out more: https://eequ.org/haffunpompey

Posters available to share: 

• HAF Summer 5 - 11 year olds
• HAF Summer 11 - 16 year olds

What is new for Naval families this summer?

The Homeport Summer edition has information about relocation and resilience and a families visit to Royal Navy Museum in Portsmouth among other useful tips and guidance. Read more here.

Also this month, there is the latest Pompey Military Kids Newsletter packed with upcoming events and visits.

Please share as appropriate.

A celebration of co-production

To mark Co-Production Week, Portsmouth SEND Local Offer and Portsmouth Parent Voice have updated the Participation and Co-Production section of the Local Offer website with a range of new resources, including practical top tips, real examples of co-production in action and guidance for services. They have also developed a new co-production pack that can be shared with those interested in learning more about embedding co-production into their everyday practice.

Today, they bring together a small group of people for a Co-Production Celebration event in

The Greenhouse, Victoria Park, which provides a relaxed opportunity to share ideas, seek advice and support, explore the new resources and pack and connect with others over tea and cake.

If you are interested in finding out more and wish to view the new resources, you can view them here.

Read to the Beat - 2026 Summer Reading Challenge in Portsmouth libraries

The Summer Reading Challenge launches on Saturday 4 July and is open to all primary school-aged children. Designed for all reading abilities, the free challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to keep reading throughout the summer holidays by setting their own reading target and earning rewards along the way.

This year's theme, Read to the Beat!, has been developed with Universal Music Group UK and celebrates the connection between music and storytelling. Children can explore stories, creativity and rhythm through books while enjoying a summer full of reading adventures. Everyone who reaches their target will be invited to a Celebration Event at Southsea Castle on Sunday 27 September.

Children can sign up for free at any Portsmouth library during the summer holidays. They can read anything they enjoy, including fiction, non-fiction, comics, poetry, picture books, audiobooks and eBooks, as long as the books are borrowed from the library. Library staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout the challenge to support young readers and help them discover new books and activities.

Children receive stickers as they complete books, with certificates and medals awarded to everyone who finishes the challenge. An online version of the challenge is also available, offering digital rewards and incentives. Children who complete the online challenge can still attend the Celebration Event if permission is given for their details to be shared when registering.

Head to your local library to sign up and get ready to Read to the Beat! this summer. Portsmouth library service .

Please share the above with your school communities. Attached flyer to share.

Early years parent hub

Come along to our Early years Parent/Carers hub on Thursday 9 July from 9.30am to 11.00am at the Havelock community centre. 

This session we will be making 'Now & Next' boards for you to take away and use at home with your children. 

Open to all parent/carers looking for support for a child attending an early year's setting in Portsmouth. The ND team will also be there to answer any questions. 

Please share the attached flyer.

Best steps for little people free stay and play groups

These Stay & Play sessions support parents and children to learn together. There are weekly sessions offering fun activities, singing, and stories for the family to enjoy together, whilst supporting your child’s development through play in a friendly group session. 

Using the Peep Learning Together programme at each session, supports how you can make the most of learning and play opportunities in everyday life, so that children become confident communicators and are ready for school when the time comes. 

Available sessions: 

• 2 July – Mark Making and Why Is It Important? (Buckland Family Hub)
• 10 July – Lots To Read And Write About (Paulsgrove Family Hub)
• 13 July – The PEEP Summer Party (Buckland Family Hub

Find out more and book on to one of the above sessions - here