Information for Parents and Carers
The Derbyshire Portage Service works with children from birth to 4 years old. These children will have significant developmental delay/complex Special Educational Needs (SEN). They will not be attending a setting yet and may not have many professionals supporting them.
The service is part of the Early Years Special Educational Needs (EYSEN) service. It is a specialist level service of Portage home visitors. The portage home visitors work alongside parents to support their child’s developmental needs. These needs are usually around engagement, learning, and personal, social and emotional development. The work looks to reduce any barriers to their learning.
We are a small team of experienced Portage Home Visitors, and are affiliated to the National Portage Association.
Referrals can be made by any professional currently working with the family via the EYSEN panel referral form.
It is best practice to carry out an early help assessment before making a referral. This will ensure that specialist level support is appropriate/required at this point.
Referrals must include detailed information about the child’s current development and complexity of need. If appropriate, evidence of the graduated response to those needs should also be included.
For further information or to discuss a possible referral, please contact:
Email: cs.eysenservice@derbyshire.gov.uk