The National Portage Association, which is a registered charity, was established in 1983 to offer support and information to parents and professionals involved in Portage.

The Association aims to:

• work with families to help them to develop a quality of life and experience for themselves and their young children in which they can learn together, play together, participate and be included in their community in their own right
• play a part in minimising the disabling barriers that confront the young children and families receiving Portage services
• support the national and local development of inclusive services for children

Largely funded by members' subscriptions, the Association operates as a voluntary organisation at national and regional level throughout the U.K. Activities and study days in each region are co-ordinated by an elected Regional Representative who is available to offer advice to new Portage services and individual members and to assist with the planning of social and publicity events.

There are four national sub-committees:

The Equal Opportunities sub-committee is responsible for ensuring that the Association maintains a commitment to achieving equality in all areas of our work. It collates information from across the U.K. and advises Portage services and individual members on equality issues. The Association challenges all forms of discrimination and prejudice.

The Ethics sub-committee offers guidance on ethical matters relating to the use of Portage teaching methods.

The Information and Publicity sub-committee maintains an up to date list of published materials on Portage and supports individual members and services in their social, fund raising and publicity events.

The Training and Monitoring sub-committee monitors standards, develops and supervises the delivery of the Portage Curriculum for Professional Development and maintains a register of Accredited Trainers.

The Chairperson of each of these sub-committees is a member of the National Executive Committee along with the Officers of the Association, the Membership Co-ordinator, the regional representatives and three parent representatives who ensure that the voice of families using Portage services is heard.

To contact Portage for any enquiries, please click here.