Core Portage is a service for children who have significant delay in at least two areas of their development. This includes communication, physical development and play skills. Referrals to core Portage are usually made on a common assessment framework or through a social care assessment. Specialist agencies can use the specialist referral form.

The purpose of Core Portage is to provide home visits where the child’s skills can be developed. The Portage practitioner works together with the child’s parents/carers to enhance the child’s skills and development, through play and fun!

All Portage and Inclusion practitioners have completed the accredited National Portage Association Portage workshop and are trained in a wide range of approaches and strategies, including infant massage, Makaton sign language, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), the use of TacPac and resonance boards.

Children who are eligible for Core Portage will receive:

• regular home visits (1 or 2 visits per month)
• home visits that last approximately one hour
• during home visits there will be time for the child to play and learn as well as time to support and advise parents/carers

Criteria for referral to Core Portage:

• the child is aged from birth to 3 years
• the child has a diagnosed syndrome or condition that is likely to lead to a delay in their learning in two areas or more, such as their understanding, self-help or physical skills
• the child is not attending an early years setting
• the child’s parent/primary carer must agree to the referral and be available for visits with the allocated Portage practitioner on a regular basis