Early Years: Physical disability

Strategies and approaches

• Check that the children is under the care of health professionals and has up to date assessment information.
• Formulate a Health Care Plan and consider a Wiki.
• Refer to relevant professionals if needed for further assessment and advice. Complete an assessment (Risk Management Plan) of potential hazards for the child in the environment.
• Consider the adaptations needed to ensure that the child is able to access learning with their peers as much as possible.
• Ensure that settings insurance company is aware that child is attending and how the setting is meeting their needs.
• Work together with other professionals to share strategies and advice to support the children.
• Complete a list of all professionals involved on a multi-agency record for the child with contact details of the professionals.
• Ensure that transition arrangements have been put into place prior to the children start at the setting. This would include ensuring that the necessary adaptations are in place, such as:
  • Undertaking appropriate moving and manual handling training.
  • Use of support equipment e.g. work chairs, walkers, standing frames, hoists.
  • Ensuring that appropriate accessibility plans are in place e.g. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
  • Undertaking appropriate care training and, where applicable, use of school’s hygiene suites.
  • Procuring and knowing how to use/maintain (where necessary) operated life-skills / curriculum equipment.
• Use adapted equipment to facilitate access specific activities throughout the school day e.g. cutlery, crockery, scissors.
• Maintain progress. This would include having a detailed handover with the child’s previous key person/ teacher to have a clear understanding of their strengths, developing coping strategies and any particular areas of need which may relate more broadly to their development or emotional wellbeing (such as opportunities to develop confidence or developing and maintaining friendships).
• Keep a focus on promoting independence and resilience within planning and differentiation.  Provide accessible ‘stretch’ opportunities.

Last updated 2 November 2021