Portage Workshop – A Small Steps Approach to Learning for Children with SEND
This is a certificated training course delivered by National Portage Association Accredited Trainers.
The Portage Workshop is an introduction to the Portage Approach to working with children with additional needs and their families. The workshop is suitable for anyone interested in finding out more about the Portage model, including early years practitioners, therapists and parents.
Central to the course are the ‘Portage Principles’ and the ‘Three Circle Model of Portage’. The NPA has set standards for minimum workshop content and length. The Workshop has a core curriculum consisting of seven modules and must last a minimum of 2 full days plus a Follow Up session.
What does the course cover?
The Workshop consists of a Core Curriculum of seven modules:
1. The Portage Model
2. Supporting the Development of Play
3. Using Clear Language
4. Planning Successful outcomes
5. Planning, Recording and Sharing outcomes
6. Using a Small Steps Approach
7. Positive Approaches to Childrens Behaviour
What are the course aims?
To give participants:
An understanding of Portage Principles and the Portage model of support
Knowledge of Portage in the context of Early Years provision
The basic skills to deliver Portage under supervision
The ability to apply Portage skills and implement Portage principles in their own workplace and home
What will I learn?
- The Portage partnership model of working with parents and other professionals
- Portage principles and how they can be applied in the home and in settings with young children who have additional needs
- Strategies, materials and resources used by Portage that can be used in the home and early years settings
- How to plan for success and set long term goals
- The importance of using clear language
- How to use a small steps approach in teaching children new skills through play
- Strategies to overcome the barriers to play
- Approaches to help children generalise skills
- Basic appropriate responses and approaches to address behaviour
- Strategies for planning suitable activities, assessing progress and recording children’s successes.
Who is the course suitable for?
- Early Years Practitioners working in PVI, maintained and children’s centre settings
- SENCOs
- Reception class teachers, nursery teachers, HLTAs and teaching assistants
- Childminders and foster carers
- Parents
- Speech therapists/assistants/language development workers
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Sensory support teachers
- Advisory teachers
- Inclusion development workers
- Family Support Workers
Why should I attend?
Attending a Portage Workshop gives participants the opportunity to:
- Gain practical strategies, ideas and resources that can be used straight away within the home and in settings, to differentiate and provide for children with additional needs
- Work with and learn from parents and other professionals
- Develop links and gain access to support from highly skilled Portage professionals working in the field of early years/SEND
- Improve their everyday practice to the benefit of all children, not just those with additional needs
- Develop an understanding of how to achieve real, meaningful inclusion in settings
- Increase their confidence in working with disabled children
- Access follow-up training, support and CPD that could lead to further career progression
What could it lead to?
As an optional development, the Portage Workshop can lead to:
- Attendance on Portage Continuing Professional Development training relating to Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties or Behaviour
- Early Years Settings becoming Portage Approved Settings via the NPA Stamp of Approval Scheme
How do I attend a Portage Workshop?
Portage Workshops are normally delivered at local or regional level by NPA Accredited Trainers working within Portage services or training courses can be bought direct from the NPA.
Charges vary considerably and the Workshops are often free to parents and to professionals intending to work as Home Visitors in the host service.
For all available workshops please check Upcoming Courses & Event
If you cannot find a Portage Workshop running near you
Contact your local Portage Service.
If you are interested in buying Portage training direct from the NPA please refer to the documents below
If you are in the UK and are interested in buying Portage training direct from the NPA please refer to the documents below
Download – UKCT01 Application for NPA Accredited Training Workshop – UK
Download – Training Factsheet – Commissioning an NPA Accredited Workshop
If you are from OUTSIDE THE UK and interested in buying an International Portage Workshop, please refer to the documents below
Download – Factsheet – Commissioning an International NPA Accredited Workshop
Download – ICTM01 Request for International Training from the NPA
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