We are piloting two new home visiting Portage projects in the Sure Start areas of York.
Sure Start Portage is a home visiting service for pre-school children who:
- are 'looked after' by us, or
- were born low weight and pre-term
It aims to work in partnership with parents and carers, to give children a 'sure start', since children who are 'looked after', or have been born low weight and pre-term, have had a difficult start to life.
Rather than just wait and see how they will develop, Sure Start Portage offers weekly visits to support families or carers in developing activities to encourage and promote: participation, play, communication, independence and learning.
Sure Start Portage for looked after children
The service is available to children who:
- are under 5 years old
- are looked after by the local authority
- live or used to live with parents or carers in the Sure Start area (Foxwood, Hob Moor, Clifton).
Children under 3 who are not accessing other pre-school provision will be given priority.
Looked after child referrals
Parents and carers can request the service for themselves. Professionals such as social workers can also make a referral.
Sure Start Portage for children born both low weight and pre-term
The service is available to children who:
- are under 5 years old
- were born low weight and pre-term
- live with parents or carers in the Sure Start area (Foxwood, Hob Moor, Clifton).
Children under 3 who are not accessing other pre-school provision will be given priority.
Low weight and pre-term child referrals
Parents and carers can request the service for themselves. Professionals such as health visitors or the Neonatal Outreach Sister can also make a referral.
Also see
Portage Co-ordinator
Specialist Early Years Support Team