AfC Portage

20/03/2026

This week we took some of our Portage families on a very special trip to Hampton Court Palace 💛

Thanks to the amazing Community Access Scheme run by Historic Royal Palaces, our families were able to enjoy a day out at the palace. From sensory elements in the Tudor World exhibition to wandering through the beautiful gardens, there was so much to see, feel and enjoy 🌿🌸

We loved walking through the palace, finding the perfect picnic spot, and sharing parachute songs and bubbles together 🫧

A truly special part of the day was that each family received free return tickets, giving them the chance to visit again at their own pace - such an incredible opportunity.

We are so grateful to the wonderful team at Hampton Court Palace for making the day so inclusive, especially with the sensory support bags provided for every child to help with regulation and transitions. The care and thought that has gone into making the palace accessible for everyone really shines through ✨

Thank you for such a memorable day 💛

SensoryPlay EarlyYears MakingMemories

19/03/2026

Every moment matters 💫 Here’s a glimpse into the joy, connection, and progress in our Social Communication Group.

18/03/2026

Our Star of the Week is Rory! 🌟

This week our star is Rory who has been working incredibly hard during his home visit with Helen. Rory has been practising using his ALD board for bubbles, and we could see him pointing to the visuals on the board to request more!

It’s wonderful to see Rory using his communication tools so confidently – we are so proud of him! Well done, Rory! 👏

What is an ALD?
ALD stands for Aided Language Display. It’s a communication board that uses pictures, symbols, or words to help children understand language and express what they want to say.

Why do we use ALDs in Portage?
Within our Portage service, we use ALDs to support children’s communication and language development. By modelling and pointing to the visuals as we talk, children can begin to understand words, make choices, and request things they want or need. It’s a great way to build confidence and give children more ways to communicate. 💬

12/03/2026

Last week we headed to Birmingham for the National Portage Association Development Day and had a fantastic time connecting, learning and sharing ideas.

A real highlight was the inspiring keynote from Ben Kingston-Hughes on The Power of Play — a wonderful reminder of just how important play is for children’s development.

Feeling motivated and grateful to be part of such a passionate community 💛

11/03/2026

We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge International Women’s Day and recognise the incredible women who make Portage what it is. 💜

From the families we support to the dedicated professionals and volunteers around us, the work, care and commitment of women continues to shape and strengthen our community.

Recognising and celebrating women is important because their contributions, leadership and voices help create a more supportive, inclusive future for everyone.

04/03/2026

Join our friends at Park Lane Stanles on 21/3 for World Down Syndrome Day!

04/03/2026

Every child deserves support that’s tailored just for them! 💜

We’re so grateful for feedback like this from families who have experienced the impact of our Portage service. 🌟

Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional needs and their families. Rooted in strong partnerships with parents, Portage works to build on a child’s strengths, celebrate small steps of progress, and create personalised learning plans that fit naturally into everyday life.

Guided by key principles - working in partnership with families, recognising the uniqueness of every child, focusing on strengths, and supporting learning through play - Portage empowers parents and helps children thrive.

When support is tailored, consistent and compassionate, the difference can be life-changing. 💙

27/02/2026

Families, we’re here for you! 💛 Our Portage Help & Support Line is open every Tuesday, 1–3pm. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or just want a friendly chat about your child’s development, we’re ready to help.

25/02/2026

22/02/2026

📍How to book a place

Please complete the registration form by following this link –

https://forms.gle/4Mr28iBd6YetCgDX8

or contact the seminar facilitator below for more information.

Name: Jane Pidduck
Email: jpiddu2@grandavenue.kingston.sch.uk
Telephone: 020 8399 5344

As places are limited please only book a place if you are able to attend and let Jane know ASAP if you know that you can no longer attend, so that I can give that place to someone else.

20/02/2026

✨🌹 We are SO excited for The Rose Garden 2026 hosted by ! 🌹✨

Eden Rose continues to create such powerful, nurturing spaces for families to connect, learn and truly thrive - and we honestly think what they’re doing is fantastic. 💗 From inspiring panels to special guests and meaningful conversations, this is set to be such a beautiful day.

If you can make it on Saturday 7th March, we highly recommend it. 🌸
A space to bloom, grow and feel supported - just what we all need.

12/02/2026

Please join us on the 21st February to refurbish the tennis court at Dickerage. We need as many people as possible as also please let us know if you are able to bring any masking tape paint brushes or paint.