Some children may need help to move, this can be moving from a wheelchair or buggy to a chair, or a chair to the toilet. This is often called ‘moving and handling'.
Poor moving and handling techniques can result in injuries to parents and carers, as well as putting your child or young person at risk. Often, injuries happen over time, due to poor posture and repetitive actions.
Principles Of Moving & Handling
These principles are what your child's school or setting would use to assess and minimise risk. They may be helpful to think about in the home too.
AVOID moving and handling wherever possible. Encourage independent or assisted movement.
ASSESS if it cannot be avoided. A risk assessment is required to identify any risks.
PREPARE the space, general layout and resolve any environmental issues.
EXECUTE the task as safely as is reasonably possible using the written moving and handling plan and any identified equipment.
EVALUATE the procedure all the time for any changes in the future to make it safer.
Children's Occupational Therapists work with children from birth to 18 (or 19 if attending Complex Need schools). If your child or young person is under the Occupational Therapy teams, you can speak to them about any questions you may have.
If you think your child requires specialist support, please speak to their GP.
If you have any questions about your child or young person's general health or development, you can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
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