Who We Are: The National Portage Association
The National Portage Association (NPA) is a national charity supporting Portage services, families and professionals across England and Wales, working at both national and regional levels with individual members and approved services and settings.
Mission Statement
“Improving the learning of young children with disabilities, and the skills of their parents, through providing quality training and support for Portage home visitors and the early years workforce.”
At the National Portage Association, we are passionate about supporting children, parents and families.
We aim to:
Work in partnership with families to support a positive quality of life for them and their young children, enabling them to learn, play, participate and be included in their communities.
Help reduce the barriers that can impact young children and their families accessing Portage services.
Support the development of inclusive services for children at both local and national levels.
NPA commitments
The NPA strives to achieve these aims and uphold its principles through the development and promotion of the Portage model of support.
To support the development and promotion of the Portage model, the Association undertakes the following activities:
- using the NPA Code of Practice 2025 as a framework for delivering Portage services and reviewing it as appropriate;
- supporting quality of service through the provision of training, with an agreed curriculum that sets a standard for Portage Home Visitors;
- listening to and responding to members’ individual and collective concerns at local, regional and national levels;
- encouraging and supporting new developments in the delivery of Portage services;
- developing a training curriculum that responds to the needs of parents, Portage services and professionals involved in the Portage model;
- working collaboratively with other organisations that support families and young children;
- campaigning to ensure all families of young children with additional support needs have early access to Portage;
- keeping members informed through member meetings, regional networking days and an annual conference.
Advocacy and awareness-raising
The NPA campaigns and work collaboratively with other organisations to increase access to Portage for families and improve inclusive early years support nationally.
Training and Professional Development
The NPA develops and delivers training to raise skills and standards among Portage and early years practitioners, helping ensure high-quality support for children and families.
Ensuring Quality in Portage
The NPA provides support, guidance, and information for Portage practitioners and services, helping ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across all registered services through its recognised Quality Framework.
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