The Portage SEND Inclusion Team
As part of the Early Years SEND Inclusion Team, the Portage SEND Inclusion Team provide early education through play for children aged 0-4 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families, who live in Wandsworth.
Portage offers support to parents/carers whose children have a delay in two or more areas of development; one of which is a cognitive delay of approximately 6 months or a diagnosis which is known to affect development.
Portage works in partnership with parents/carers of children with complex medical and learning needs through fun play sessions, and breaking learning into small steps to help parents/carers support their child’s development in all areas of learning: Cognition, sensory and physical, communication, social and emotional and self-help skills. This is achieved through one-to-one home visits and group play sessions at the SEND & Inclusion Hub.
Portage work as part of a wider multi-professional team to support families; including colleagues from health, social care, voluntary services, educational settings, and the Early Years Inclusion Advisory Service and wider SEND & Inclusion Services,
Additionally for families receiving Portage, the child’s Portage advisor can help with finding an Early Years setting, and support the child, family and setting with the transition.
When referrals are accepted, Portage will contact the family and arrange an initial visit to explain Portage teaching methods (a small steps approach to learning). If Portage is offered, families will either be supported by attending a Portage group or a Portage Inclusion Advisor is allocated for regular home visits.
Children can be referred to Portage by a professional working with the family or families can self-refer. Please complete the attached referral form, with written parental consent to [javascript protected email address]
If you have any queries, please contact Vicki Hall by emailing [javascript protected email address] or calling Vicki 020 8871 7129 for more information.
