I would be interested in the answers too. We currently negotiate on a case by case basis - i.e. each piece of equipment as to whether it is education/health/social who will pay with an increasing number of items being jointly funded.

Health have a local central store for equipment but education didn't have access to any of the equipment or to use the storage facility until very recently. This left equipment being stored in schools or disposed of from one school while another school bought something similar/the same. We do now seem to have access to the central store but no clear policy on how this works.

Maintenance of equipment seems to simply become part of the running costs for school though there is no clear policy and when things are funded outside of education this becomes a thorny issue.

Sourcing - Either an OT/PT/SALT or other professional makes a recommendation for a specific piece of equipment or I suggest one which they agree on. I often then shop around for a good price on the item. No clear policy seems to exist.

If equipment is bought for a child it does seem to usually just follow them but this becomes awkward when something is originally bought for one pupil in primary school but becomes used by more than one and then the oldest child moves to secondary.

So, as I said, I haven't seen any clear policies on this which is made harder as our school currently has pupils with physical disability from 3 different local authorities and so we have to operate in 3 different systems.

Robin

Dear Claire  and Robin,

Here in Barnet we have a protocol; I can send it to you if you wish however bear in mind that is particular to the system we have going on here. We are part of the community equipment provision (H, SC, E) delivered now by Millbrook, previously Medequip.

The PD/CMN team holds a budget of around £25 k per year, we do not fund equipment below £250 as it can be a reasonable adjustment for a setting to purchase a piece under that cost however we are always happy to support based on financial constraints. We do not fund IT equipment, nor wheelchairs or walkers; the 2 latter fall under Health's budget and the first under school's budgets. Though if AAC is required Health is now also responsible.

Hi Gina,

Thank you for the information. If you are able to forward on the protocol policy you follow to my email address, I would really appreciate it.

Many Thanks!

Clare

clare.hope@solihull.gov.uk

Hi Clare,

In Wiltshire we have an agreement with our School Forum which aims to clarify what mainstream schools will provide and what the LA will provide.  Health are expected to provide any equipment for therapy needs in school, such as standing frames and walkers.  We have access to our local ICES (currently provided by Medequip) through which we provide specialist seating (too big for staff to transport in their own cars!) and toileting equipment (which needs a deep clean before being reissued). We also purchase items directly from suppliers but are trying to use ICES more as we don't have much space to store spare equipment and we are currently responsible for cleaning and checking this equipment is safe before leaning again - something we are trying to move away from.  I will send you our agreement.

Currently the LA fund high tech AAC equipment which is not funded via the Regional Centre.

Hope this helps.