Portage Initial Training

This newly-formatted course combines Hampshire’s Popeye course with the National Portage Association’s Portage Basic Workshop curriculum (2004). Supporting the recommendations of the Tickell review of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this four-day course develops good practice in identifying and meeting the special educational needs of young children, primarily through careful observation and playful adult-directed learning. It describes effective partnerships with parents and demonstrates how to develop, in sequenced teaching targets, the three prime areas of learning – physical development, communication and language and personal, social and emotional development. It promotes inclusion by showing practitioners how to apply Portage principles and skills to their Early Years Foundation Stage setting, whether a reception class, child-minder’s home, pre-school or nursery group.

The National Portage Association’s Basic Workshop certificate is awarded upon full attendance and successful completion of all individual assignments. Participants may choose to undertake some additional assignments to gain the BTEC Level 3 Advanced Award in Portage skills. Further details of this will be given at the start of the course.

This course is suitable for EYFS practitioners with at least a relevant level 3 qualification who have day-to-day or overall responsibility for including children with special educational needs in their setting. It is also essential training for new Portage Home Visitors working under supervision in accredited Portage services.

Requirements of the course are full attendance and satisfactory completion of all course assignments.