ABSTRACT
Recognition of the primary role of the parent or carer and the importance of the home environment in the early education of the young child with special educational needs has been one of the most significant achievements of Portage during the last two decades. The Code of Practice (1994) gives explicit recognition to the influence of the home environment on the child’s early learning and the rights of parents to a combination of home-based as well as centre-based provision. Portage services are cited for the support they offer to the parent within the home setting and their ability to intervene effectively to meet the needs of children from a very early age.
