Teresa joined Portage in 2011. Before joining the team, she worked for six years as an Early Years Practitioner at a children’s centre, following seven years as a childminder.

Alongside her role as Portage Manager, Teresa is an Accredited Trainer for the National Portage Association and leads our Early Bird workshop. She holds an NNEB qualification and a Certificate in Portage.

10 Years in Portage; 22 Years working with disabled children; BTEC Early Years; Certificate in Portage

Zoe has worked in Portage since 2019, having worked in early years and SEND for over 19 years. She holds an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years and a Certificate in Portage

Sally returned to the Sutton Portage team in 2023, having previously worked for Sutton Portage in 2002. She has also worked for Portage teams across Southwark and Surrey and held roles in Early Help and Short Breaks. Sally has over 25 years of experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in various roles.

Sally is an Accredited Trainer for the National Portage Association and was also an ABA Tutor. Her qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Health, a Certificate in the Curiosity Programme, and a Certificate in Portage.

Maddie has worked in Portage since 2022 having previously worked in nurseries for 14 years, first as a Nursery Practitioner in a local setting followed by Class Teacher and Nursery Headteacher at a kindergarten in London. She holds an NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development and a Certificate in Portage.

Clare has worked in Portage since January 2026, having previously worked in early years for 14 years, 10 of those as SENDCo and Deputy Manager. Her qualifications include Level 4 Advanced Practitioner, Level 3 in Childcare, Level 3 in SEND and Certificate in Portage

Certificate in Portage

5 years experience as a preschool key-worker, 2 years experience as a teaching assistant , Level 3 teaching assistant Certificate, Level 3 Diploma for the children and young people’s workforce.

Over 30 years experience in Office Administration and helps us keep things moving smoothly

Karen joined PlayWise in 2025 and brings over 25 years of nursery and school office know-how with her. Having worked in nurseries, primary schools, and secondary schools, there’s very little she hasn’t turned her hand to. Her incredible organisational skills help keep the whole PlayWise team on track.

You’ll find Karen ready to help every Monday and Tuesday.

Fran was a registered nurse for 40 years and Health Visitor for over 30 years, 20 of which she specialised in Special Education Needs and Disabilities. Fran is a former Children’s Manager of Sutton Mencap and is Chair of Trustees for Homestart Sutton.