Local families have praised the support of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portage service for helping their child reach their developmental milestones.
Traditionally a home visiting service, Portage takes referrals for young children who are significantly below their developmental milestones.
Portage shows parents how to interact and play with their child to help them develop in the areas they need for education; skills like speaking and listening, physical development and wellbeing.
As the service saw more children with communication and interaction difficulties, they expanded their offer to include group sessions so children could develop through social interaction with others.
Families appreciated the group sessions as they often felt they couldn’t go to typical stay-and-plays as their children behaved in a neurodiverse way that wasn’t always understood by others.
These groups also opened communication between parents so they could support each other, form friendships, share experiences, ideas and tips.
One parent said, “My children are the youngest in the group who are non-verbal.
“They are learning to explore their surroundings confidently.
“The group is small and friendly. The room is always well presented, with lots of things to do for the children. The Portage workers are friendly and welcoming.
“They offer great support and advice. I am very thankful for them, not only for my children but also for myself.”
Andrea Clark, Early Years Manger said, “We have a specific curriculum for the group, including imaginative play and role play, music and movements, and construction.
“This was highly regarded by the National Portage Association which meant we were able to bid for funding that allows us to provide celebrations and events.
“Our Christmas party is always lots of fun and well attended, it’s a big reunion at the end of the year with a meet-and-greet with Santa.
“We also host an Easter celebration and have ideas for a summer picnic.”
“It can be difficult for families to take children to things like these because the expectations are so vast, it can be overstimulating for a child.
“We try to make sure we offer a range of opportunities for families.”
Another concern of parents is the transition to nursery.
Commenting on this Andrea Clark said, “We hold their hand as they move into the new world of education.
“We’re there during their first introduction to a world they will be in for a long time, and we need to get it right.”
Jo Robinson, Parent Champion and Group Support added, “Hosting group sessions at Family Hubs are great because the setting is somewhat like a home environment and a nursery.
“Parents can see professionals working with their children, and see their children doing well in a nursery-like setting, it instils confidence in them.”
A parent commented, “I have so much more confidence now in how I can help my son and my son is now flourishing.”
At the end of their work with the family they create a Portage Plan, with everything the child needs and their next steps.
Portage supports them through their transition, working with the nursery to use the strategies and adaptations needed for the child.
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Childrens Services at North East Lincolnshire Council said, “The Portage Service is an essential service for children aged 0-3 and their families.
“The earlier we can support children with significant developmental delays, the better.
“There are structured ways to identify and meet the needs of these children through play that parents can use at home but it’s a hugely beneficial element for children to socialise with others outside of their home environment.
“This service not only sees great progress in children but offers a great peer support element for families.”
The Portage Team is made up of Andrea Clark, Team Manager, Abi Germaney & Aimee Lofts, SEND Practitioners and group Leads, Sheleen Spolton, Karen Hotson, and Claudia Dixon, SEND Practitioners (Home Portage workers), and Jo Robinson, Parent Champion and Group support.
The impact of the group reaches further than just a child’s development.
Abi Germany, SEND Practitioner and Group Lead said, “One mum came to us who’s little one was medically complex.
“I made her a cup of tea in the morning, and she said it was only cup of tea she had been able to drink from start to finish.”
Commenting on the strong relationships and impact Portage has had they mention a mother who still sends pictures of her son reaching various milestones 10 years on.
Another parent praised the support they received from a Portage practitioner saying, “Raising a child with high support needs is totally uncharted territory for us and it’s been difficult.
“Having Portage has helped us loads.
“She’s taught us a lot about how to help him progress and monitor his milestones, she’s been able to answer a lot of our questions and concerns, and she’s been overall really supportive.”
Groups are run:
- Weekly at Queensway Family Hub, Binbrook Way, Grimsby DN37 9AS
- Fortnightly at Reynolds Family Hub, Reynolds St, Cleethorpes DN35 7TU
- Fortnightly St. Andrews Hospice, an invite only baby group for those with medical and complex needs
Referrals are made by Health professionals. If you think the Portage Service could help your family, please speak to your Health Visitor.
Find more like this on the SEND Local Offer: Home – NELC SEND Local Offer
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