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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
Free neurodiversity training package for schools and colleges
Whole School SEND is launching a new free Neurodiversity Training Package on 23 September 2026, funded by the Department for Education and available to all schools and colleges.
Designed as a train-the-trainer programme, the package enables school leaders, SENCOs and other staff to deliver training in-house using ready-made materials. Resources include leadership and teacher presentations, practical activities, case studies and presenter guidance, as well as bite-sized modules covering executive function, intersectionality, adaptive teaching and supporting independence.
The package also includes guidance on delivering the sessions and quality-assuring inclusive, neuro-affirming practice. Separate materials are available for primary, secondary and further education settings.
Free launch webinars will take place from 3.45pm to 4.45pm on:
- Tuesday 22 September 2026
- Wednesday 16 December 2026
- Wednesday 10 February 2027
All settings are welcome to attend any session, and recordings will be available for those unable to join live.
Here is the flyer.
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Support for Portsmouth families through Family Hubs
Best Start in Life courses are free for all families in Portsmouth postcode areas PO1 to PO6. Families can access these courses, workshops and activities at their local Family Hub.
Support is available from pregnancy until your child is 19 years old or 25 years old for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From Stay & Play groups to midwifery appointments, Family Hubs have everything you need.
Not only do sessions at the hubs support your child's development and strengthen your relationship with them, but they also give parents and carers the chance to meet others, build connections and enjoy a warm cuppa.
Stay up to date with free events and support via the dedicated Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/portsmouthfamilyhub
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Soluna by Kooth - service update
Soluna by Kooth is the next chapter of the trusted, safe, and free mental health support Kooth provides to young people.
Available as an app or through any web browser, the service gives children and young people a safe space to manage their mental health and wellbeing. It is available for young people aged 11-25 in Portsmouth.
Soluna retains the same clinical model, safeguarding standards, governance and professional support, but with a new look and feel. It offers BACP-accredited one-to-one text chats with qualified practitioners, evidence-based self-help tools and pre-moderated peer communities. No referral is required, and there are no waiting lists. For more information, go to SolunaByKooth.com
Updating your links
If you signpost to Kooth via your school website or other channels, please replace all old Kooth links with SolunaByKooth.com
There is an auto-redirect for anyone using the old links, so don’t worry if you can’t update everything straight away.
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Back to school on a budget
With the new school year underway, Portsmouth’s Cost of Living service has shared practical tips to help families reduce costs. Advice includes:
- Finding affordable school uniforms and second-hand options
- Saving money on packed lunches and healthy meals
- Reducing travel costs for the journey to and from school
- Accessing local support for families facing financial pressure
- Making the most of discounts, grants and other available help
Please share this resource with parents, carers and your wider school community to help ensure families are aware of the support available.
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Careers & Apprenticeships Show - one week to go
The Careers & Apprenticeships Show takes place on Wednesday 23 September at Mountbatten centre. It is a great opportunity for secondary school-aged young people to explore their next steps.
More than 50 employers, training providers, colleges and universities from Portsmouth and beyond will be attending, offering information on careers, apprenticeships, further education and training opportunities.
Parents and carers are also welcome to attend.
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Get inspired for the world of work
Opportunity for 11 to 16 year olds to attend with their schools at the EBP South Mission event at Portsmouth Guildhall on 20 January 2027.
We’re on a mission to open the eyes of 11 to 16-year-olds to the incredible variety of careers available right here in their local area. Through hands-on, interactive activities, students will get a real taste of the exciting opportunities that businesses in Portsmouth area have to offer. From engineering to entertainment, construction to coding—this event brings it all to life in one action-packed day.
It is FREE for schools to attend, spaces are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Youth Board applications now open
Young people aged 12 to 21 from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are invited to apply for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Youth Board for 2026/27.
The Youth Board gives young people the opportunity to contribute to decision-making within their local NHS Trust while developing confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Members will also gain an insight into how the Trust operates and explore potential NHS career pathways.
Further information and poster.
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Screen Culture NXT: free creative workshops for young people
Portsmouth's Making Waves Film Festival is partnering with Playland and Artswork on Screen Culture NXT. They are inviting young people to explore the future of film, TV, gaming, social media and digital culture through Screen Culture NXT, a series of free creative workshops in Portsmouth.
The sessions will give participants the chance to share their views on screen culture and help shape future Making Waves events and activities.
For young people aged 11 to 16 there is a workshop on 19 September, 11am to 4pm at the Playland, 193 Commercial Road, Landport, PO1 4BD. There is no need to book, just drop in.
For more information, email jem@playla.bz
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Big Steps – free groups for families run by Home-Start Portsmouth
Parent and child groups are held across Portsmouth Family Hubs. These are free to attend but booking is required to secure your spot.
Big Steps for Babies & Crawlers
A brand new, free Stay & Play group for babies from birth until they are walking. Using the PEEP-informed Learning Together approach, sessions are a chance to play, sing, share stories and meet other parents and carers, while picking up simple ideas to support your baby’s development at home.
- Mondays from 12.45pm to 2.15pm at Somerstown Family Hub
- Wednesdays from 1pm to 2.30pm at Paulsgrove Family Hub
Big Steps for Little People
A free, fun Stay & Play group for children aged 1–5 years and their parents and carers. Sessions offer simple, practical ideas to support your child’s development through play, songs, stories and activities you can try at home. This term's theme: Communication & Language:
- Thursday 24 September from 10am to 11.30am at Milton Park Family Hub
- Monday 28 September from 12.45 to 2.15pm at Northern Parade Family Hub
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Catch up on this month's Early Years bulletins
Early Years bulletins are packed with the latest updates, guidance, training opportunities, funding information, resources, and news to support early years professionals across Portsmouth.
If you've missed any of this month's bulletins, don't worry. You can catch up below and explore information on topics such as professional development, safeguarding, SEND, funding updates, national guidance, local initiatives, and useful resources for supporting children and families.
This month's Early Years bulletins:
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Thursday 17 September
PSCP - Early Help
Thursday 17 September
Every leader a leader of SEN
Monday 21 September
Post-16 Forum
Tuesday 22 September
AP Strategy & Implementation Group - Autumn
Tuesday 22 September
Relational and restorative safeguarding conversations masterclass
Wednesday 23 September
Webinar: New arrivals
Thursday 24 September
PSCP National and local picture masterclass
Thursday 24 September
Secondary heads forum
Monday 28 September
PEP Strategic board
Monday 28 September
R&RP Leaders Development course
Wednesday 30 September
PSCP - Child Protection Training
The PEP calendar contains dates of events, network meetings, conferences, training and workshops taking place in Portsmouth.
To help make the calendar as useful as possible for everyone, colleagues and partners are encouraged to regularly add relevant dates that you'd like to share. If you're scheduling your own event or training, you can check availability on the PEP calendar to avoid potential clashes with other events.
To add a date to the PEP calendar, simply forward your meeting invite to pepportsmouth@gmail.com and it will be added automatically.
Please note that the email address pepportsmouth@gmail.com should only be used to add items to the PEP calendar. All queries regarding the Portsmouth Education Partnership should continue to be sent to pep@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
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