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  5. Physical and Medical Needs Service (PMNS)

Physical and medical needs service (PMNS) 

We are a small team of two Advisors. We work within Education and Learning, part of Children’s Services.

We support Dorset children and young people with:

  • long-term physical disabilities
  • complex medical needs 

We work to make sure they can:

  • get around their school or educational setting
  • have the right support at the right time
  • enjoy the same opportunities as their peers

Physical disabilities affect how the body works. They might affect a person’s ability to move or their energy levels. Examples of conditions we support include:

  • cerebral palsy
  • spina bifida
  • muscular dystrophy
  • restricted growth

Medical needs are wide-ranging. Some are very serious. They may affect quality of life and impact on learning. Examples of conditions we support include: 

  • epilepsy
  • diabetes
  • anaphylaxis
  • chronic fatigue syndrome

We do not support children and young people with:

  • mental health needs, such as anxiety
  • neurodiverse conditions, such as Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • general toilet training

How we work

We provide advice and guidance 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

Ordinarily available provision for physical and medical needs

Learn what support schools and settings are expected to provide for all children and young people.

A good school day - the Physical and Medical Needs Service

Children and young people with physical and medical needs told us what makes a good school day for them.

Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions

Find information about how schools should support pupils with medical conditions. Information from our Physical and Medical Needs Service.

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

The importance of accessing PE

All children and young people should access high quality PE. This includes those with physical difficulties. 
Two teenage girls playing wheelchair basketball

How to make PE accessible 

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

Examples of accessible PE

It can be helpful to see accessible PE in action.  
Boy wearing glasses playing basketball with support from an adult

Sports day

How schools can help to make sports day accessible for all pupils.

Senior Advisor Physical and Medical Needs Service

Name: Kelly Lambert
Email: kelly.lambert@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 224063
Full contact details