The Portage Service in Croydon is a home-visiting and group session service for families with young children (aged 0–5) who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or are showing signs of delayed development.

Portage is all about working together with parents and carers to help their child learn through play, routines, and everyday activities at home. It offers friendly, practical support to help you and your child build confidence and achieve small, meaningful steps forward. 

Portage is for families in Croydon with a child who:

• Is under 5 years old.
• Has a significant developmental delay or diagnosed condition.
• May have challenges with communication, physical skills, learning, or social interaction.
• Is not yet attending nursery or needs extra support before starting an early years setting.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to receive support - what matters is how your child is developing and what help they may need.

Croydon’s Portage workers:

• Visit your home regularly to work with you and your child.
• Help you use play-based activities to support learning and development.
• Set simple, achievable goals to build skills step-by-step.
• Offer support around behaviour, communication, and daily routines.
• Help with early planning for nursery or school.
• Work in partnership with other professionals involved in your child’s care.
• Targeted group session

Portage is not just for your child - it also supports you as a parent or carer, helping you feel more confident in meeting your child’s needs.

Portage helps families:

• Support their child’s learning in a natural, everyday way.
• Feel listened to, included, and empowered.
• Prepare confidently for the next steps, like starting nursery or school. 

You can access Portage in Croydon by:

• Asking your GP, health visitor, SENCo or therapist to refer you.
• Contacting the service directly to refer yourself.

To refer or find out more, please contact the Early Years SEND Support Team at:

Email: eysenservice@croydon.gov.uk

Phone: 020 8726 6400 (ask for the Early Years SEND Team)

You will be able to talk about your child’s needs and arrange a first visit if Portage is suitable.