Glyne Gap Portage Service

Our Portage Partnership is a home-visiting educational service for preschool children. We offer advice, information and support to families of children with profound/severe learning disabilities who may have other additional needs, i.e. physical, medical, sensory and Autistic Spectrum Conditions.

We believe that a positive approach to learning, which focuses on the strengths, skills and abilities of children as individuals, is key to their learning, development and happiness.

We believe that families play the key role as "teachers" in their child's life. We work together with parents to empower them to become teachers of their own children.

A referral can be made by either parents, carers or other professionals. Following this we will meet with each family and child to discuss whether our Portage service is right for you. Once a service has been agreed we will work with you to build a partnership that will be personalised to meet the needs of you and your child.

We also work in conjunction with East Sussex County Council ISEND Support Service if your child/family requires this service.

Families will receive fortnightly visits with a Portage-trained home visitor lasting approximately 1 hour.

There are 3 key elements to every home visit:

1. Child led play - Identify child's skills and interests
2. Structured Teaching - Focus on child's development
3. Family Focus - Share any concerns and celebrate successes

Our Portage service uses a SMALL STEPS approach to playing and learning. We assess each child in all key areas of their development and identify priority learning and goals.

The Key areas are:

• Physical / motor skills
• Cognitive (thinking skills)
• Communication skills
• Socialisation skills
• Self help skills
• Play/Learning skills