NPA/DCSF Project Supported Training
NPA/DCSF Project
Since April 2004 the National Portage Association has had a close working relationship with the DCSF, undertaking direct commissioned work for the Department to develop and extend Portage Services in England. This work focuses on training delivery and the integration of the governmen’s Early Support initiative into Portage practice.
The project is run on jointly negotiated targets and budget agreed and reviewed annually by the NPA and DCSF. A steering group drawn from key trustees (Chairperson, Treasurer, Parent Representative and Northern Regional Representative and CADCO) provides the link between the project team and the Board.
A two year bid For DCSF Grant money (2009 – 2011) was lodged in October 2008 and the Association was informed of its successful acceptance in December 2008.
There are two strategic aims:
- Improving the skills and professional status of the workforce.
- Improving Quality Assurance and dissemination of information with particular reference to greater targeting of parents.
This work will be completed in April 2011
NPA/DCSF Project Supported Training
Under strategic aim 1 – “Improving the skills and professional status of the workforce” various training opportunities will be given.
Portage Networking Days
More of these days, which give participants the opportunity to be informed about the work undertaken by the NPA as part of the NPA/DCSF project and other developments within Early Years have been planned.  They also provide an opportunity to network at regional level and so exchange good practice.
Dates for forthcoming Networking are shown under Events on the web site.
Support for Portage Training
In order to meet the training targets for this financial year, arrangements will be made, as before, to offer places on a number of Portage Basic Workshops and to run a series of modules from the Portage Curriculum for Professional Development in various parts of the country, in line with identified interest.
Information on training supported by DCSF funding is given on the Training Calendar Page.
Portage Basic Workshops
There is a maximum of 10 places available on this workshop, which will be allocated in order of application.
To be offered a place applicants must be one of the following:
- about to become Portage Home Visitors.
- planning to develop and use Portage within their current work.
- planning to set-up or extend a Portage Service.
If you would like to find out more about the PBW or to enquire about booking a place, please contact the person named in the list directly.