Portage Workshop: Small Steps for Learning

Applicants must attend all dates to gain accreditation.

DATES: Thursday 12th and Friday 13th February 2026 - 9.00am - 4.00pm

Followed by an ONLINE session - date to be arranged

EYFS: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Aims: Accredited by National Portage Association and delivered by Calderdale’s Portage and Early Years Support Teacher Team (PEYST) who support early year’s children with additional needs and disabilities. The course covers core modules: what is portage? the portage principles, a portage home visit, small steps to learning, task analysis and planning for progress.

To qualify for the accreditation participants must attend all scheduled days and successfully complete individual tasks to demonstrate their understanding and application of the course materials. This course provides a range of practical strategies and ideas to support the behaviours of children with SEND. These will promote discussions that will inform daily practice and policies and help providers and professionals to work inclusively to meet the individual needs of young children with SEND through consistent approaches.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the session learners should be able to:

• Develop knowledge of the Portage Principles and model of support
• Consider how the Portage model can be incorporated when working with children with SEND and their families
• Develop an understanding of the small steps approach to learning
• Understand why play is so important and consider how the development of play for children with SEND can be supported
• Understand why some behaviours occur and how they can be helped to change
• Be confident to apply skills learned on the course in the workplace
• Know where to go for further training and support

How the learning is delivered:

Presentation, Group Activities, Discussion and Reflection.

If cancellation is made within 3 weeks of the course and we are unable to fill the place you will be charged 50% of the fee. Cancellation within 1 week of the course you will be charged the full cost.