Portage Basic Workshops

Basic Portage Workshops

Portage Basic Workshops are normally delivered at regional or local level. Charges vary considerably and the Workshops are often free to parents and to professionals intending to work as Home Visitors in the host service. Portage Basic Workshops are usually open to anyone interested in finding out more about the Portage model.

The National Portage Association has developed a core curriculum for the Portage Basic Workshop to ensure the national consistency and credibility of its training. Each Portage Basic Workshop lasts for the equivalent of 3 full days, often delivered over 4 days.

The National Portage Association aims to ensure the quality and parity of Portage Basic Workshops across the country and is reliant on the skills of its Accredited Trainers to uphold this aim.

After attending a Portage Basic Workshop, new Portage home visitors receive formal support from other team members for an agreed introductory period of home visiting.

The National Portage Association has published Core Competencies for Portage Home Visitors and Registered services are advised to use this document to support all newly trained home visitors. There is no set amount of time suggested for its completion, as much will depend on previous experience and the current caseload.

Outcomes:

The outcomes of the course are to develop:

• understanding of the Portage Principles and model of support
• the basic skills to deliver Portage under supervision
• the ability to apply Portage skills in one's own workplace
• knowledge of the history and local development of Portage
• knowledge of materials and resources
• confidence in working together using the Portage model
• awareness of the National Portage Association

Essential components of a Basic Portage Workshop:

Central to the course are the Portage Principles and the Three Circle Model of Portage. These are emphasised throughout the modules of the course.

• Introduction to Portage
• The Portage Home Visit
• Helping Children Learn - Using Clear Language
• Helping Children Learn - Planning for Success
• Helping Children Learn - Small Steps to Learning
• Planning, Recording and Sharing Activities
• Play and Generalisation
• Understanding and Responding to Children's Behaviour
• Plenary

Availability of workshops

Portage Basic workshops organised by Accredited NPA Trainers are often advertised in Portage Post, the NPA newsletter and on the NPA website. In addition, Portage services are encouraged to let the NPA Communications and Development Coordinator (CADCO) know if they are organising a workshop and details could be put in the Training Calendar on this site.

After this initial training, continuing support and development is available to Portage Home Visitors through the regular (weekly or fortnightly) supervisory meetings.