Moving and handling
Schools access and safe handling service (SASH)
Who are we?
We are commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council to support mainstream education settings with managing children with physical disabilities.
We assess and advise on complex moving and handling activities and access to the education environment. We work within the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and link with the Children and Young Peoples’ Therapy (CYP) Team and Advisory Services.
Sam Deeley - A specialist CYP Occupational Therapist and Edge trained manual handling advisor/trainer. (covers West)
Louise Stafford - A specialist CYP Therapy Assistant Practitioner and Edge-trained manual handling advisor/trainer. (covers West)
Danielle Fairey - A specialist Children’s Physiotherapist and Edge trained manual handling advisor/trainer. (covers East and North)
Chloe Penwill - A specialist CYP Therapy Assistant Practitioner and Edge-trained manual handling advisor/trainer. (covers East and North)
| Contact Number | 01923 470 680 |
| website | https://www.hct.nhs.uk/children-and-young-people-occupational-therapy |
| Referral form |
Who can refer: therapists, advisory teachers, SENCOs and 0-25 Together Service. |
The service we offer
Access and environmental risk assessments.
For CYP with complex physical disability who need more than hand-held assistance and use a wheelchair/buggy for their main mobility within their education setting.
A detailed report with recommendations and advice is provided to the setting on the modifications and adaptations required to enable a child to safely access the setting.
The education setting will be responsible for providing all fixed equipment and adaptations that may be required. The setting will need to contact companies to gain further advice on more complex adaptations.
Moving and handling risk assessments
For CYP with a physical disability, who weigh over 13 kg and need physical assistance to move. Or for CYP under 13kg with complex moving and handling needs.
The therapist will provide a step-by-step guide and training, outlining the safest transfer method and risk assessment (this may include the use of specialist equipment). All staff working with the child and the CYP will need to be present for planned reviews and training sessions.
Specialist equipment needed to support the child’s moving and handling needs is recommended by the therapist and requested to be provided by Hertfordshire Equipment Service (HES). Some equipment needed to support staff to carry out the moving and handling will need to be purchased by the setting.
Safe moving and handling of children with physical disabilities -course for education staff
This is generic back care training for staff to enable them to understand safe back care practices.
It is a legal requirement for employees undertaking the moving and handling of CYP within their workplace. (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 – legislation explained (hse.gov.uk)
Courses are free to access for settings we are commissioned to support and held across the county throughout the year.
Safe Moving and Handling of Children with physical disabilities can be booked via our website. https://www.hct.nhs.uk/children-and-young-people-occupational-therapy
- Staff attending the training are provided with a training booklet. School must ensure that this booklet is completed by the staff member prior to the training session (the booklet is emailed to the school 1 week before the training). Failure to complete this booklet will result in staff not being compliant with moving and handling.
- It is advisable for staff moving and handling CYP to attend this training every 2 years.
