Portage home visitor

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T levels
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could learn some of the skills you would need to 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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Some local authorities may offer opportunities to be a volunteer Portage worker, without the need for qualifications.

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

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.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Portage home visitor from the National Portage Association.

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

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• observe children and talk to parents to identify their child’s skills
• assess which skills are most important for the child's future learning
• suggest a programme of activities for parents and their child to practise together
• break down tasks into small steps
• show parents how to record their child's progress
• encourage parents and carers to meet each other and offer support
• help parents to apply for disability benefits
• check progress and agree on new goals
• write progress reports

You could work at a client's home or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.