You could do a foundation degree or degree in early childhood studies.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Portage home visitor
Alternative titles for this job include Portage worker, Portage support worker
Portage home visitors provide help at home for pre-school children with learning difficulties, physical disabilities or other special needs.
Average salary (a year)
£19,000 Starter
to£32,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
36 to 38 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends attending events or appointments
How to become a Portage home visitor
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- training from a charity or private training provider
University
College
You could learn some of the skills you need for this job through a college course like the Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, or a T level in Education.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
More information
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an early years educator advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More information
Volunteering and experience
Some local authorities may offer opportunities to be a volunteer Portage worker, without the need for qualifications.
Direct application
It may be possible to apply directly to employers if you've got experience of working with children aged 0 to 4 years, and knowledge of early childhood development and special needs. You may also need one of the following:
- a relevant professional qualification in teaching, social work or nursing
- a level 2 or 3 early years qualification
- a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in early childhood studies
Other routes
You could do a 2 to 3 day Portage Workshop led by a National Portage Association accredited trainer. This could be a good way for you to find out more about the role before applying for work. No knowledge or experience is required.
More information
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a Portage home visitor from the National Portage Association.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be flexible and open to change
- persistence and determination
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of English language
- knowledge of psychology
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- observing children and talking to parents to identify their child’s skills
- assessing which skills are most important for the child's future learning
- suggesting a programme of activities for parents and their child to practise together
- breaking down tasks into small steps
- showing parents how to record their child's progress
- encouraging parents and carers to meet each other and offer support
- helping parents to apply for disability benefits
- checking progress and agreeing on new goals
- writing progress reports
Working environment
You could work at a client's home or in an office.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior Portage worker with supervisory or management responsibilities.
You could also study to be an accredited Portage trainer or look for work in a special educational needs school.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Childcare Apprentice
- Wage : £136.50 Weekly
- Location: Spalding PE11 3GW
Apprentice Nursery Assistant
- Wage : £124.50 Weekly
- Location: Tewkesbury GL20 7SP
Courses In England
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