Hi

Thanks very much for the replies. The latest news is that the local authority will be prepared to fund the hoisting equipment at the academy's request in order to facilitate the move so all's well that ends well!

Hi Robin

The plan is for the young person to be lifted out of his wheelchair and into an evac-chair using his in-chair sling (staff at each corner). He's quite a big lad so evacuating using only his in-chair sling would be inappropriate.

The academy has an evac-chair for each staircase; the only concern regarding this is whether these particular chairs are suitable for this individual - we will check once he's in whether the current chairs offer adequate support; if not, a higher spec chair may be required

Hi - we provide equipment which is not fixed, eg changing plinth from the LA SEN budget as it can be returned to stores when the student leaves.  Ceiling track hoist would be the responsibility of the Academy as it would become a fixture and they would own it.  If they don't have funds now they can make a bid for CIF money https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-improvement-fund which is a government loan for academies for access works amongst other things.  They could always make do with the loan of a mobile hoist.  The Evac chairs and training would be something that they would have to provide as part of their fire safety measures.  It's really positive that they have the space for a hoist - at least you don't have to try to get them to build you a care suite.

hope that helps

Hi Rob

The DfE has recently announced new money for LAs to invest in adaptations and new build: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-needs-provision-capital-allocations?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=e726f201-2858-42fd-8fcb-1162fb40c5c6&utm_content=daily

Look out for details of a pdnet webinar with a speaker from the DfE on Monday 28th June at 4pm.

Thanks again for all the replies!

I will pass on the information re SEN capital allocations to the boss - this looks like exactly what is needed to help the LA fund the facilities required