Wiltshire Portage sessions are on a weekly basis during term time and usually last an hour.
Once goals have been identified with the parent the Portage Home Visitor will bring toys and activities that are specifically tailored to the child’s preferences and goals to build on already learnt skills. These include things like messy play, threading, posting activities, sensory experiences, puzzles, musical instruments, sharing books and physical activities like a play tunnel or ball games.
The Portage Home Visitor will work alongside parents and carers to break down goals into small achievable steps and support any specific play, learning and communication strategies such as Makaton signing, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), TEACCH, visual support, intensive interaction.
It is good to talk, and as the session progresses the Portage Home Visitor will share their evaluation of the activities and the child’s progress. Parents and carers can ask any questions and discuss anything that they might need support with. This can include: help with benefits, housing, looking for nurseries or signposting to other support available.
The Portage Home Visitor will also provide support by sharing information with other professionals, visit settings, attend meetings focused on the child’s development e.g. My Support Plan, transition meetings, as well as providing a detailed report for an Education Health Care Plan if required.
Parents must be willing to agree to our Working Together Contract and to make time available for regular home visits and daily practice of Portage activities.