Our work is about making sure children and young people with physical and medical needs can:
- get the right support in their school or setting
- enjoy the same opportunities as their peers
Physical needs affect how the body works. They might affect a person’s ability to move or their energy levels.
Medical needs are wide-ranging, but can include conditions such as:
- epilepsy
- diabetes
- asthma
- mental health needs, such as anxiety
How we work
We provide advice, guidance or training to:
- parents and carers
- schools and other settings
- other professionals, including healthcare practitioners
This might be by phone, email, or in person.
We can also attend planning meetings to discuss a child or young person’s transfer to a school or setting.
What we can provide
We can offer advice, guidance or training in:
- managing medical conditions in a school or setting
- storing, administering and recording of medicines
- writing Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)
- using medical risk assessments
- providing reasonable adjustments
- safer moving and handling techniques
- moving and handling risk assessments and care plans
Making physical education (PE) accessible for children with physical difficulties
![Young boy in a walking frame playing cricket with a post in front of him from which to hit the ball](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/35024/4271888/Picture+1.webp/6f3fb039-8f0d-d5a0-bb33-5e7c39a5593f?t=1698401069270)
All children and young people should access high quality PE. This includes those with physical difficulties.
![Two teenage girls playing wheelchair basketball](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/35024/4271888/Picture+2.webp/f5fbd041-7fb4-a4f8-1765-ebc828d56e5e?t=1698401036965)
How to make PE accessible for children and young people with physical difficulties.
![Young girl in a powered wheelchair laughing and young boy using a walking frame throwing a tennis ball to her](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/35024/4271888/Picture+5.webp/ea2234c5-08a0-be56-d2a5-26dc02355419?t=1698400995166)
It can be helpful to see accessible PE in action.
![Boy wearing glasses playing basketball with support from an adult](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/35024/4271888/Picture+6.webp/9cf41981-7598-2083-e1ec-76a7eaa890d7?t=1698401149013)
How schools can help to make sports day accessible for all pupils.
More support for physical and medical needs
Find out how schools should support pupils with medical conditions.