PORTAGE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The UK National Portage Association is taking an increasingly active role in discussions with government organisations responsible for the monitoring and development of early years practice. During the last year a successful campaign was mounted to include more specific reference to the needs of young disabled children in the government's new Early Years Curriculum. Current activities look towards obtaining accreditation for successful participants in Portage Workshops within the National Vocational Qualifications framework.

Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) made a series of inspections of Portage services as part of their nursery inspection programme during the last year. The report on Nursery Education that followed was very good news for NPA members. Ofsted very positive comments highlighted the strengths of Portage practice and the consistent quality observed across all services visited.<' This report can only strengthen our part in drawing attention to the needs of all children during this period of change in provision for Under Fives.

The delivery of a programme of one-day seminars funded by a legacy from Albert Kushlick to the NPA and focused on Disability Awareness and Inclusion has taken place this year. Feedback from participants showed that the impact of the day had been both constructive and challenging. Setting up links between participants and local organisations and trainers in this field is a very important aspect of the seminar programme and we look forward to future reports on shared outcomes.

The topic of inclusion featured strongly in the 1999 NPA Conference. The Conference oversubscribed by Portage families and professionals in the field, responded to the theme Looking Forward. Plenary sessions explored the issues surrounding an inclusive school system with speakers who brought both a personal and a professional perspective to their theme. Discussion was intense, informed, and challenging offering no easy answers. The opportunity to experience, reflect and to share such issues within the friendly supportive environment provided by NPA Conferences is one of the major strengths of the NPA. We are confident that our reflection will help us move forward together during the coming year.

Mollie White
Consultant to the UK National Portage Association