Portage is part of the Specialist Early Education Service (SEES). SEES is a home visiting support service for families of pre-school children with additional needs.
Portage is a nationally accredited and successful home-based teaching programme for families of young children with additional needs. All children follow an individualised programme tailored specifically for them.
The duration of a Portage Programme is dependent upon a child's individual needs, progress and the ability of the family to commit to the programme. Programmes will be reviewed termly. Weekly or fortnightly home visits may be offered.
Referrals to Portage
Anyone can refer a child to SEES, but usually Portage referrals are made at birth or when a child has been diagnosed with a particular condition. If you are referring a child to the Portage service, you must obtain signed consent from the parents/carers and ensure that parents/carers are available and committed to receiving regular, term time home visits during school hours.
For more information, including how to make a referral, please see the Specialist Early Education Service (SEES) brochure. You can also contact your local area team.
Please provide detailed assessment information, such as a developmental checklist for the child.
Portage referral criteria:
- The child being referred is aged between 12 and 30 months
- The child's development is delayed by 1/3 of their chronological age in 2 or more areas of development.
Other SEES programmes
SEES also offers other programmes to support pre-school aged children with additional needs.
The Positive Play Programme (PPP) aims to support parents develop their child's attention, play and listening skills, and their communication and co-operation skills.
Local Early Autism Programme (LEAP) offers intensive support to families of children who are on the autistic spectrum.
For more information, including how to make a referral, please see the Specialist Early Education Service (SEES) brochure.
SEES Local Area Teams
North East SEES Team (Esher)
- Ne.educationteam@surreycc.gov.uk
- 01372 833588
North West SEES Team (Woking)
- Nw.educationteam@surreycc.gov.uk
- 01483 518130
South East SEES Team (Redhill)
- Se.educationteam@surreycc.gov.uk
- 01737 737777
South West SEES Team (Woking)
- Sw.educationteam@surreycc.gov.uk
- 01483 517179