Team information

Tasleem Akbar

Photo of Tasleen Akbar from the Portage Team

Bio:

I have worked for the Portage service since 1998, a long time!  I usually work in the Rotherham Central area.  I have two grown up children and two grandchildren who keep me busy.  Whenever possible, I enjoy going for walks, reading and watching television! 

A day in the life of Tasleem:

During typical times pre-covid, I would be seeing probably about 12-14 families a week.  My visit to a family usually lasts about an hour. I plan ahead, putting together what has become known as my Mary Poppins bag of activities to engage and develop the skills of the child I will be working with.  Every visit is different, we never know what mood the child will be in, what he will be interested in doing that day, what the family has gone through that week and might want to talk about or they might want us to action something.  It always keeps me on my toes! 

I like to keep my visits structured in the same way – I spend the first part catching up with the family, then play with the child, discuss the session with the family and set the homework and then carry out any other business that they want me to do. 

Outside of the home visits, I liaise with other professionals, for example, speech therapist, physio therapist, settings; I catch up on my admin; I clean toys! 

We are very lucky to have Sarah who makes some brilliant resources for us, so part of my planning is to discuss individual activities with her and she produces the most fantastic materials for us.