Our Early Years Special Educational Needs and Disabilities team (EY SEND) includes a Portage Team who work with children from Birth to 3 years and an Early Years Educational SEND Support Service who work with children up to the end of their Reception School Year.

Portage

Portage is an educational service delivered in family homes, for children from birth to three years old who have significant special educational needs and disabilities.

Our Portage Model is based upon child-led play, structured teaching and family focus to ensure children and their families are supported in the best way possible to achieve their full potential.

We support parents and carers in their own home to develop their child's learning through play and promote positive outcomes. Parents and carers know their children best and it is easier for children to learn in familiar, comfortable surroundings. The idea is to have fun together.

How to access the service

Online referral forms have now replaced the old paper form.  Once an account has been created you can apply for Portage by clicking the link:  SEND Support Programmes | Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

What happens after the referral?

When we have received a referral, the Portage team will contact you to make an appointment for you to meet them and a member of the team. This appointment will last no more than an hour. The session is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your child better through talking to you and playing with your child.

If we decide that Portage is not the right service for you we will look at the range of other support available through the Children Centre Network and their groups and activities, all of which are focused on developing children’s learning. We will support you to access these.

What happens if my family uses the Portage service?

If the Portage service is appropriate, a Portage Worker will be assigned and will visit you at home weekly or fortnightly for approximately 1 hour. During the visit, the worker will play alongside you and your child, model activities and strategies to support you in developing your child's learning. They will also help you to observe and understand their progress. Between visits you will be asked to repeat the activities until the next visit to develop the new skill. You can involve other family members in this as the activities can be built into usual family routines or play time.

At the end of each block of visits, we will carry out a detailed review of your child's progress. These reviews aim to celebrate success and outline the focus for the next block of visits.

Working with other professionals

With your permission, we will work with the other professionals who are involved with your child and family. We may talk to you about opening a Child and Family Assessment (CAF).The CAF is a useful tool to support this multi-agency involvement.

When your child leaves the service, the Portage Worker will share any relevant information regarding their progress with their nursery or other setting as this will support a smooth transition for you and your child.

If you would like to know more about Blackburn with Darwen Portage service, or have any further questions, you can email us at: EYSEND@blackburn.gov.uk

Other Portage Offers

Monthly Portage Group - by invitation only for children that are awaiting a Portage worker.

Sensory learning group - by invitation only held at Wensley Fold Children Centre on a Monday afternoon 1.30pm -2.30pm

Portage Stay and Play Group - held at Darwen Family Hub –this new group is open to all families who have previously received Portage or have been invited to the group.It will be held term time only- Thursday 1.15pm-2.15pm - direct contact Rachael Haworth 01254 666717

Little Treasures Group - A group for families who have children with complex and additional needs. The group caters for children from birth to 3 (pre-school age). Families meet weekly on a Friday morning at Shadsworth Children's Centre. The session includes opportunities to meet with relevant professionals, a variety of stimulating activities and toys and useful information. Professionals can make a referral to this group. In Blackburn with Darwen we also offer groups as part of our Portage offer, these are delivered in our Family Hubs/Children’s Centres. These groups are designed to support your child’s development, provide opportunities for them to socialise with other children and for you to meet other parents connecting you and your child to your community.

Many parents have found Portage very helpful because of its supportive approach and the positive impact upon their child's development.  For more information contact Rachael Haworth - 01254 666717 rachael.haworth@blackburn.gov.uk