{"id":9127,"date":"2022-07-11T12:19:18","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T11:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.devon.gov.uk\/supportforschools\/?page_id=9127"},"modified":"2024-12-11T13:10:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T13:10:09","slug":"positioning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/positioning\/","title":{"rendered":"Positioning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Positioning and readiness to learn<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Correct positioning is crucial to allow children and young people to optimise their ability to access the curriculum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if a child or young person with limited sitting balance has to think about keeping themselves upright, this will impact their ability to complete tasks.  Without a secure base it is hard to concentrate, think and write as mind and muscles are focussing on maintaining stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course it is important to consider the child or young person’s comfort too, for some, the most stable position (below) may not be comfortable and would therefore affect their learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the long term, poor positioning can have a serious impact on back health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stability is a key issue alongside the ergonomic set up of a work station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majority of children and young people will be most stable as pictured below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Line<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Non seated positioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most learning within the classroom may be done whilst seated at a table but standing frames, floor seats, wedges, and other positioning aids can also help children and young people get into good positions for learning, socialising, playing and eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many children and young people with limited mobility these changes of position also help them to develop strong bones and muscles, aid circulation and avoid issues like pressure sores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therapist advice about positioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is important to discuss positioning with the child or young person’s therapist, this will usually be an Occupational Therapist<\/strong> for their seating and a Physiotherapist<\/strong> for standing and lying. Make sure their recommendations, such as symmetry, using both hands, not twisting \/ leaning are implemented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can contact a therapist to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n