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NATIONAL PORTAGE ASSOCIATION The National Portage Association operates a scheme, available in some areas,
to families with pre-school children. It is a home visiting service aimed at
helping young children with special needs. This could include children with
developmental delays, physical disabilities, language and sensory difficulties.
Features of the scheme are as follows. - Portage is based on parental involvement, structured teaching and positive
monitoring. The teaching provides intensive support to the child at home, on
either a short or long term basis. Very young children with disabilities, even
in their first year, can be included.
- Portage home teachers are drawn from a variety of backgrounds who are
trained in the Portage Model. They visit the home and plan learning activities
and management strategies, which parents and child work on during the week.
- Portage trained teachers have available toys and materials for use in the
home. They will also consult with other professionals such as speech
therapists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who may be involved
with the family.
- Referrals are accepted from a variety of sources including health visitors,
social workers, the paediatric department of the local hospital, GPs or from
other people who work with young children, such as early years workers.
Parents/carers can also contact the scheme directly.
- Portage schemes are run in close liaison with the Local Education
Authority, Social Services and Health Department.
Contact the Association for information about local schemes.
National Portage Association
127 Monks Dale
Yeovil
BA21 3JE  01935 471 641
 01935 471 641
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