What is a Portage Worker?

[sparklyshay]

I am studying towards a final year of an early years degree and am currently writing an assignment on Special Educational Needs. The topic I have chosen is Portage Workers.

I was just wondering if any body knew much about them?

I have a case study on a child who has a portage worker and would like to know if when he starts school in Sept 2008 if the portage worker still works alongside him and his family? Or if his portage worker leaves as he will be in full time education with a qualified SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

Any help or advice would be appretiated.

[gagarin]

www.portage.org.uk/

Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children
with additional support needs and their families.

It's a pre-school service.

[numptysmummy]

And it's brilliant!

[marmadukescarlet]

Generally you would lose your Portage provision long before school age, although it may be different from area to area.

Locally Portage drops out once said child is doing 3-4 sessions at nursery school - be it SN or m/s. I think there would have to be a very high need for it to continue alongside education be it nursery or reception.