The Common-Sense Approach to Moving and Handling of Disabled Children and Young People- Easy Read

Case study: Pete at the pool

Pete has cerebral palsy and attends a specialist unit within a mainstream school. Every year, the school lets children choose their own activities for a week. There weren't many choices for Pete so he decided to visit his local leisure pool, as he felt this would be an accessible place for him.

But there was no hoist in the leisure pool changing room and the school's hoist was too big to be taken there. So the school told Pete he couldn't go because school staff would not be able to lift him.

Pete's mum was unhappy about this and complained to the school. The school then contacted the leisure centre to see if there was any other way to help Pete to go swimming. The school learned that the leisure centre staff had been fully trained in moving and handling. They were able to do a risk assessment and use the equipment available at the leisure centre.

The leisure centre manager said the pool staff would meet with Pete and the workers supporting him to do a risk assessment around Pete's use of the changing facilities and pool at the leisure centre. They would need to know more about Pete including his mobility, risk of uncontrolled movements, his weight, height and his individual needs.

The school made sure they had Pete's permission to share the information with the pool staff who needed it.

When the risk assessment was done, the pool staff found that their skills and training would make it possible for them to support Pete with his moving and handling needs. Two of the pool staff could do everything needed to help Pete in the changing room and the pool.

Being able to go swimming helped Pete to improve his well-being. It allowed him to be more active, healthier, and more included.

Pete's story shows that it is possible to find the right balance between the rights of the young person and those of his workers, and the employer's duties. The school staff shared the relevant information about Pete's abilities, needs, height and weight with the leisure centre staff. After doing the risk assessment with Pete and the school, leisure centre staff found out what the risks were and how those risks could be managed and reduced.

The case study shows one barrier children and young people with moving and handling needs and their families frequently face - the risk management was only done after Pete's mother's got involved. It would have been better for everyone if this started as soon as Pete asked to visit the pool.