Welcome to the Hampshire Portage Service

You have been guided to this resource page because your child may need additional support for their educational needs.

Hampshire County Council's Portage Service is for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who have a significant delay by approximately one third of the child’s age in at least two different skill areas which must include cognition.

We know that waiting for support can sometimes feel uncertain, especially when you have concerns about your child's development. While you are waiting, we want to help you learn more about the Portage approach and provide practical information, resources and ideas that you can use with your child at home.

 We work in partnership with parents and carers because we recognise that you are the most important people in your child's life. Together, we support children's learning, play, communication and development through everyday activities and routines.

The Portage approach focuses on your child's strengths, interests and what they can already do. By breaking learning into small, achievable steps, we can celebrate progress, build confidence and help children develop new skills at a pace that is right for them. Portage practitioners work alongside families, offering practical strategies, encouragement and support to help children learn through play and everyday experiences.

The National Portage Association has some helpful feedback from parents about their experiences of portage if you would like to explore how Portage has helped other parents.

This section has been created to support you while you wait for a Portage Inclusion Practitioner to become available. Here you will find information about the Portage approach, ideas for learning through play, videos, downloadable resources and links to other sources of support that may be helpful for your family. Accessing these resources will not affect your place on the waiting list, but we hope they will help you feel informed, reassured and confident in supporting your child's development during this time.

Every child develops differently, and every small step matters. There is so much that you can do to support your child's learning and development at home, and we hope the resources on this page will help you make the most of everyday opportunities to learn, play and grow together.

Get started by exploring the resources below, including our Welcome Pack and other activities and support for families.

​You may also wish to read our Portage Service Agreement.