You could do a foundation degree or degree in early childhood studies or child development.

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

You could learn some of the skills you need for this job through a college course like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability
• Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care
• T Level in Education and Early Years

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 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

You could do an Early Years Educator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in a school or nursery before moving into Portage work.

This can take around 1 year and 6 months to complete.

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

Some local authorities may offer opportunities to be a volunteer Portage worker. Experience of supporting children with special needs can be helpful, even if you do not have childcare qualifications.

You can find opportunities through your local council and the National Portage Association.

You could 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'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
• knowledge of psychology
• persistence and determination
• the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In some local authorities you may need to be able to drive and have access to a vehicle.

As a Portage home visitor, you may:

• observe children and work with parents to identify their child's skills
• develop activities for parents and their child to practise together
• show parents how to record their child's progress
• encourage and provide emotional support to families
• help parents to access other support services
• write progress reports and attend review meetings

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

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