NPA Service Registration
The National Portage Association requires all Portage Home Visiting services to apply for registration, please download a application form from the right hand side of this page
Purpose of a Service Registration
The purpose of service registration is to:
- Establish national standards for Portage Services, reflecting the essential components of the Portage Model and setting a minimum standard for delivery.
- Safeguard consistent, high-quality support for every family accessing a Portage service.
- Service registration with the National Portage Association sets services apart from other early years and home visiting support.
A full description of the Portage Model of Service Delivery is available in the NPA Code of Practice 2025 .
Applications for service registration can be made at any time throughout the year. Although the registration cycle runs annually from 1st October to 30th September, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be applied pro rata where appropriate within the cycle. The cost for Service Registration is £120 (+ VAT) per annum.
- Before applying, services should ensure they have reviewed the current registration criteria to confirm eligibility and requirements.
- To apply, complete the NPA Service Registration form for 2025/26 and submit it for assessment. Your application will be reviewed against the current criteria to determine your grading level.
- Registration is granted at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
- Registered Portage Services are searchable via the website.
Benefits of being a registered Portage Service
Professional development and training
Access to training, resources, and ongoing support to strengthen practitioner skills.
Networking and shared practice
Connection to a national community of Portage services to share knowledge, ideas, and innovation through regular online meetings, email updates and networking events.
Quality assurance and standards
Registration demonstrates commitment to the National Portage Association’s recognised standards of good practice.
Credibility and confidence
Enhances trust with families, local authorities, and partner agencies through recognised affiliation.
The different grading levels Services can achieve are as follows:
NPA Registered Portage Service – Platinum
Exceptional service, leadership in practice, innovation & workforce development.
NPA Registered Portage Service – Gold
Consistently strong practice with ongoing development.
NPA Registered Portage Service – Silver
Developing toward full core compliance.
Early Years’ Service (NPA Affiliated)
Newly registered as a Portage Service and currently developing alignment with essential and desirable standards.
The NPA Logo
Services registered with the National Portage Association are entitled to use the National Portage Association logo, only in accordance with specific guidelines issued by the NPA.
Services are not entitled to use the National Portage Association Charity Number and registration does not give charitable status to an individual service.
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