Supporting children with SEND in early years settings often involves carefully planned manual handling to ensure that every child can participate safely and comfortably in daily routines. Effective manual handling is a legal and safeguarding responsibility, helping to protect both children and staff from avoidable harm. It also plays a vital role in promoting children’s dignity, independence, and sense of inclusion within the setting.

This page outlines the support for early years providers when manual handling is required for an individual child. This includes completing a thorough, personalised risk assessment, understanding any specialist equipment, and working collaboratively with parents and health professionals who know the child well. Providers must also plan for both routine situations and exceptional circumstances, such as emergencies where usual procedures may need to be adapted.

Key actions for settings to consider:

• Complete a child‑specific manual handling risk assessment, including details of the child’s individual needs and the type of support required.
• Consult with relevant health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, specialist nurses) to ensure that all advice and techniques reflect clinical guidance.
• Involve parents and carers in discussions to gather insights into what works best for their child at home and in other settings.
• Assess the environment, identifying any adaptations needed to support safe movement, transfers, or the use of equipment.
• Plan for emergency procedures, including fire evacuation or unexpected situations where manual handling may need to change.
• Review staff capability, ensuring those involved in manual handling are physically able and appropriately trained.
• Source appropriate manual handling training from local providers where needed, ensuring staff confidence and competence.
• Ensure safe use of any specialist equipment, following instructions from health professionals and manufacturers.
• Regularly review and update the risk assessment, especially if the child’s needs, equipment, or environment change.
• Record decisions and plans clearly, so that all staff are aware of procedures and expectations.

Manual Handling Training

If providers need to access manual handling training for their staff, they should search for local training providers. Although we cannot recommend any particular training provider there are a number who offer manual handling training in Suffolk including: Home | chrisugolini (christineugolini.co.uk)

Large Equipment for Children with SEND in Early Years Provision

Where an early years provider is supporting a child with SEND and the child requires a large item of specialist equipment to be included in the setting, the provider must follow the procedure set out in the guidance below:

Large Equipment for Children with SEND to access early years provision – information