Physical Difficulties Team
What we do
The Physical Difficulties Team supports children and young people from 0-25 whose primary need is complex physical difficulties. Children and young people will either have an EHCP or are going through the statutory assessment process.
We offer ongoing advice, guidance and support to schools, families, carers and children and young people in order to maximise opportunities for learning, independence and inclusion so that children and young people can achieve their full potential and overcome barriers to learning.
Our team uses a positive approach, focusing on what a child or young person can do. We offer advice and guidance, appropriate for the child or young person’s age and needs (in line with the SEND code of practice) and Devon’s Ordinarily, Available and Inclusive Provision (OAIP).
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP)
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) describes the inclusive provision and practice that all Devon schools, early years, and post 16 settings should be able to provide for all children and young people, including those with SEND, from within their own resources. This will support all children and young people to attend, engage and thrive in their educational setting.
It describes approaches, provision and practice that is ‘helpful to all, harmful to none and crucial for some’.
The following link will provide more information about Devon’s Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP) frameworks.
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision – Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
Specialist
Team core offer
We provide advice and support for children and young people in mainstream schools and settings. This can include:
- equipment
- exam arrangements
- accessing the curriculum e.g. maths due to spatial and perceptual difficulties
- PE curriculum in conjunction with physiotherapy colleagues
- physical access to buildings and practical lessons in conjunction with occupational therapy colleagues
- positioning in the classroom
- recording supported by ICT or SEND advisory teacher colleagues, if needed.
- timetabling changes because of fatigue
- transition between phases
- health and safety or fire evacuation
- intimate care
- moving and handling
- risk assessments
- school trips
- social opportunities
- signposting to other services
Requesting Access for Support
Schools and settings wishing to request SEND support should read the guidance and submit a request for access to SEND support form using the link below.
Request for access to SEND support – guidance – Support for schools and settings (devon.gov.uk)
Training
We offer training for professionals related to the inclusion and support of children and young people with physical difficulties, including:
- PE
- disability awareness
- moving and handling
Moving and Handling training
The physical difficulties team offer two practical courses, (initial and refresher), designed to give all school staff an overview of the relevant legislation and practical handling techniques. Information about each course and details of how to book are available via the following link: Devon Education Services shop.
Initial training
This course is designed as an initial introduction to safe handling practices for schools and settings working with settings working with children and young people who have physical difficulties (this course is not suitable for children who have emotional or behavioural difficulties requiring physical interventions).
The initial course, is suitable for staff who have not had Moving and Handling training previously. Refresher recommended annually.
The training provides a generic introduction, designed to give all school staff an overview of the relevant legislation which is required when handling. This will be especially relevant to SENCos who may be required to complete paperwork, such as Risk Assessments, Handling Plans and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans.
The course covers generic overview of safe practical handling techniques, it does not give advice on individual needs, and staff attending will need to consult with other specialist professionals after attending the course.
Refresher training
The refresher course, provides theory and practical moving and handling training (for those people who have previously undertaken the moving and handling initial training within the past 12-18 months).
It is suitable for any staff working with a child or young person who has physical/movement difficulties (not suitable for those working with children who have emotional or behavioural difficulties requiring physical interventions.) Staff can bring up to date examples of handling plans and risk assessments to discuss with the team.
Please do let us know in advance if hoist training is required.