WHAT IS PORTAGE?
Portage is a home visiting educational service for pre-school
children who have developmental or learning difficulties, a
physical disability or other special need. Children must have
difficulties in two or more areas to meet the criteria.
Portage aims to help parents teach their child new skills and
build on the child’s current abilities.
Using a “small step” teaching approach, we aim to help support
development in all areas of learning including play. We also liaise
with nurseries and other early years settings.
Often, we will visit with other professionals, who are also
involved e.g. physiotherapists, speech therapists.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An Early Years and Childcare Outreach Officer trained in Portage
visits the child’s home, usually each week for approximately an
hour.
The officer gives practical help through play activities, so
that parents can develop their own child’s learning.
These home visits include discussion and recording of the
child’s progress. Often a task is chosen for the parents to
practice with their child over the next week.
WHEN DOES IT START?
The earlier, the better. In fact, the earlier Portage starts the
more likely it is that problems, which may be difficult to remedy
later, can be prevented.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Usually a three month “trial period” is offered. After this
initial three months, the service is reviewed. If parents no longer
want to continue they can stop. Usually, Portage continues until
the child goes to nursery or school for three or more sessions a
week.
WHO CAN REFER?
Portage has an open referral system, so anyone can refer a child
to the service.
National
Portage Association
Partners with Parents and
Children
A Portage
Service registered with the National Portage
Association