Family Information Service

29/10/2026

Need a little half-term inspiration? 🍂

Why not give this 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five activity a try? 👇

#45 Wonderful Waiting Game

Waiting for transport, sitting at the doctors or waiting for food in a restaurant can sometimes feel boring for children. Why not play simple games to entertain each other, such as I Spy, while extending your child's vocabulary at the same time? Playing games when out and about encourages children to look around, explore their surroundings, answer questions and ask their own, turning everyday waiting time into a fun learning opportunity.

🌟 Find the full activity and even more ideas on the 50 Things Portsmouth website, and download the free app so inspiration is always close at hand.

https://portsmouth.50thingstodo.org/

28/10/2026

🍁 What will you discover together this half term?

Give this activity a go, and download the free 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five app for even more inspiration. 💛

#20 Mini Artists

Let your child’s imagination inspire their artistic masterpiece. They will have lots of fun expressing themselves through each line they make and colour they use. Heading outside can provide even more opportunities to go big with their creations. Why not try using water or chalk on the pavement to create colourful works of art together? Head over to the website to find the full activity.

https://portsmouth.50thingstodo.org/

27/10/2026

Your views needed! The council is consulting on proposed changes affecting eight schools in Portsmouth that provide infant, junior and primary education, and we want your views. Most of the schools are in Southsea and one is in Fratton. If agreed, the changes would take effect from September 2028.

The schools being consulted on are Southsea Infants, Craneswater Junior, Bramble Infants, Cumberland Infants, Devonshire Infants, Fernhurst Junior, Wimborne Primary and Manor Infants. We want to hear from you if you have children that may attend these schools in the future.

The survey closes on Tuesday 1 December.

For more information on the proposals and to share your views, visit: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/schools-and-learning/consultation-on-infant-junior-and-primary-schools

27/10/2026

✨ Looking for a little half-term inspiration?

Why not try this 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five activity and download the free app for lots more ideas to explore together. 📱

#13 Shout and Shhh

Children delight in trying out the noises they can make themselves. A loud sound in the garden can sound very different in a tunnel. Explore how different places change the sounds your child hears and makes. Talk together about the sounds you can hear when walking under a bridge, exploring a woodland or visiting some of Portsmouth’s grand old buildings. Listening, talking and experimenting with sounds helps develop children's communication and language skills.

https://portsmouth.50thingstodo.org/

27/10/2026

✨ Go To Grow: Every Second is a Learning Opportunity ✨

Little moments can make a big difference. Whether it's sharing a story, making a new friend, exploring outdoors or learning something new through play, every day in early education helps children grow in confidence, skills and independence.

Regular attendance means more opportunities to learn, discover and thrive alongside their friends.

🌱 Every second counts. 💚 Every day brings new opportunities. ⭐ Go To Grow.

26/10/2026

🍂 Looking for something fun to try with your little one this half term?
Here’s some inspiration from 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five! Download the free app to discover even more activities to enjoy together. 📱💛

#11 Making Connections

Children love connecting things together using tape, glue, clips or staples, as well as playing with jigsaws, building bricks and train tracks. These simple activities encourage curiosity, problem-solving and creativity. As children play, explore and experiment, they develop their thinking skills, imagination and confidence through hands-on learning. Visit the website to view the full activity.

https://portsmouth.50thingstodo.org/

22/10/2026

🌟 Getting ready for school doesn't have to be overwhelming. From encouraging independence to building daily routines, our Ten Top Tips are packed with simple ideas to support your child as they take this exciting next step. Take a look at our video and find out more. 😊

https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/children-and-families/early-years-and-childcare/10-top-tips-for-starting-school

21/10/2026

20/10/2026

🌧️ Rainy-day fun

Don’t let the wet weather dampen your half-term fun! ☔💦
Pull on the wellies, splash in some puddles and give Pitter Patter from 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five a go.

✨ Looking for more half-term inspiration? Visit the 50 Things Portsmouth website or download the free app to discover lots more activities to enjoy together.

https://portsmouth.50thingstodo.org/