Paediatric physio scoops Keele University prize

^{Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Roz Roscoe and Hannah Kendrick}

Their innovative but simple idea – to make complex education, health and care plans for children with special needs available at a glance to teachers and parents – caught the eyes of judges at a Keele University best practice day for health professionals.

They have created picture boards and accompanying booklets for schools about the individual care plans for children with special educational needs and physical disabilities.

‘The board puts into pictures the advice that has been given by myself and Roz about the care of the child,’ said Ms Kendrick, who works two days each week in local schools. ‘The booklet expands on that.’

‘One example would be where a child was wearing a splint. The board would show a picture of the splint, while the booklet would explain how the child can benefit and explain the correct use of this equipment.’

Joining up health and education

While the boards and booklets are currently only in use at two local schools, Ms Kendrick thinks the concept could be used more widely in collaborations between health and education services. She is keen to spread the word.

‘It does take a bit of time to set up, but once that is done, the board and booklet are really effective,’ she said.

‘They are very easy to use and we have had lots of positive feedback from the school staff. In essence, it’s a good way of knowing what a child’s plan is all about.’

The project supports the education, health and care plans for children and young people with additional needs up to age 25, introduced as part of the Children and Families Act 2014.

For further information, see Guidance for Paediatric Physiotherapists Writing Advice for Education, Health and Care Plans, published by the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.