Happy to have a conversation with you about implications, Eleanor. Email me and we can discuss a time to chat: janecarter@warwickshire.gov.uk

We did when I worked for Hertfordshire CC to carry out moving and handling training and access visits/reports for SAI works.  Eventually our OTs transferred to a Health team and we commissioned them back from Health to continue their work but they needed to have clinical supervision which we could not provide.

<p style="text-align: left;">In Manchester we employ the services of both OT and physio through an SLA with our health service provider. This has enabled us to overcome the challenges of clinical supervision as they are still employed by the health service. The focus of the work is to support the work of the outreach team in meeting the challenges faced in schools around moving and handling risk assessment and provision of equipment to support access such as specialist seating, slings, hoists etc. We now run regular seating and sling assessment clinics and provide M&H handling risk assessment and training for school staff. Our greatest challenge is keeping up with demand.</p>

Hi Eleanor,

I am now retired but have employed OT's and specialist SLT's in the past within a LA Advisory Teaching Service. We found the most expedient way was for Health to employ the OT or SLT so that key components of   their work, i.e, professional supervision and professional development was secure, even though they were based within a largely education team. This was managed through a service level agreement.  I met at regular intervals with the relevant health service manager and the OT or SLT to work together to iron out any issues and to share success.  The arrangement worked really well for well over 15 years. Good luck, I hope you find a solution in your own local area.

Best wishes

Di

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied - it's so helpful hearing what others do, have done or have tried