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									pdnet Forum - Recent Topics				            </title>
            <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/</link>
            <description>pdnet Discussion Board</description>
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            <lastBuildDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:10:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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							                    <item>
                        <title>Duke of Edinburgh Award with wheelchair user</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/duke-of-edinburgh-award-with-wheelchair-user/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:07:11 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Has anyone had any experience supporting a wheelchair user to complete D of E?  Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Has anyone had any experience supporting a wheelchair user to complete D of E?  Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Sam Wright</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/duke-of-edinburgh-award-with-wheelchair-user/</guid>
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                        <title>Exciting - NICE-Centre for Movement exhibition - 5th May</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/exciting-nice-centre-for-movement-exhibition-5th-may/</link>
                        <pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:56:54 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Hi all, 

&#x2728; You’re Invited: NICE Exhibition &#x2728;

We’re proud to invite you to NICE’s very own mini exhibition focused on the sharing of services that are available both in the Bi...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Hi all, 

&#x2728; You’re Invited: NICE Exhibition &#x2728;

We’re proud to invite you to NICE’s very own mini exhibition focused on the sharing of services that are available both in the Birmingham local community and further afield. 
This exhibition will feature a range of services including disability equipment, social groups, charity funders and therapy providers as well as guest speakers. It’s an opportunity to come together and explore different ways services and charities can support parents and chance for professionals to learn more about signposting and the chance to network.

&#x1f4cd; Location: NICE-Centre for Movement Disorders, Cannon Hill House, Russell Road,           
                             Birmingham, B13 8RD

&#x1f4c5; Date: Tuesday 5th May 2026

&#x23f0; Time: 10am until 2pm

You can drop in any time between 10am and 2pm and explore the stalls at your own pace. 

Whether you’re a parent looking for ideas for your child or a professional looking to connect with others, we would love to see you there. Check out our poster to find out more about who will be having a stand on the day. 

Please feel free to share this event with anyone you think could benefit from it. To help us to plan accordingly, please sign up at 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nice-mini-exhibition-tickets-1985726841437?aff=oddtdtcreator]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>LucyBarraclough@nicecharity.org.uk</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/exciting-nice-centre-for-movement-exhibition-5th-may/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>Inclusive PE training next week with exciting key note!!</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/inclusive-pe-training-next-week-with-exciting-key-note-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:52:29 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Hi all,
I appreciate this is very short notice but we have a number of spaces still available on our inclusive PE training to open to the wider network.  We have the hugely inspirational Jav...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Hi all,
I appreciate this is very short notice but we have a number of spaces still available on our inclusive PE training to open to the wider network.  We have the hugely inspirational Javeno Mclean delivering the keynote so if you are local to Derby or know settings or organisations that would want to attend we would love to see you there.
This has been our focus area this academic year to get more of our PD pupils engaged in PE in meaningful ways and so this event is aimed at inspiring confidence in PE leads and senco's to rethink how this is delivered in their setting.
We can't quite believe we've got Javeno to come but he's been absolutely brilliant in planning this with us and it's a cause very close to his heart :-)
It is Tues 21st April 1-3.30pm at Derby Arena, cost is £25pp.
Please email me lucy.daullah@derby.gov.uk for more details.]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Lucy Daullah</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/inclusive-pe-training-next-week-with-exciting-key-note-2/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>large, &#039;hoisted&#039; pupils on floor mats when fire alarm goes off</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/large-hoisted-pupils-on-floor-mats-when-fire-alarm-goes-off-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:57:09 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[we are wondering what other special schools do in the event of a fire alarm when they have pupils led out on the floor mats in classrooms. Do you take your time to hoist them  back into whee...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[we are wondering what other special schools do in the event of a fire alarm when they have pupils led out on the floor mats in classrooms. Do you take your time to hoist them  back into wheelchairs to get them out of the building or do staff try to slide the pupils outside with them still led on top of the mat?
We have had a few Fire Alarms recently, which have all luckily turned out to be 'false alarms'.
Staff have tried to slide the pupils, who are on top of the mats, out of the classroom doors and outside; staff  do not know if it's a real fire or a false alarm so it's treated as a real emergency and rush the pupils outside on the mats; this has resulted in 2 staff incurring injuries.
We could have up to 9 pupils at one time on the floor mats in a classroom, who're large, 'hoisted' and immobile. 
What do other special schools advise?]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Aimie Gates</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/large-hoisted-pupils-on-floor-mats-when-fire-alarm-goes-off-2/</guid>
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				                    <item>
                        <title>Webinar - Supporting young wheelchair users in school</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/webinar-supporting-young-wheelchair-users-in-school-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:08:46 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Whizz Kidz are running a live youth-led twilight webinar &#039;Supporting Young Wheelchair User&#039;s in School&#039; where we will share the findings from our Making the Grade research and our newly crea...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Whizz Kidz are running a live youth-led twilight webinar 'Supporting Young Wheelchair User's in School' where we will share the findings from our Making the Grade research and our newly created resources for supporting young wheelchair users in school. The session will be delivered by Whizz Kidz and the Whizz Kidz Youth Board who are young wheelchair users from across the UK.

This session is intended for professionals working in, or supporting, education and schools. We would welcome your attendance and would appreciate this invitation being shared with your networks who support, or want to learn more about, supporting young wheelchair users in school.

What we’ll cover
•	Whizz Kidz, the Whizz Kidz Youth Board and why education is such an important topic for young wheelchair users
•	Key themes and findings from the ‘Making the Grade’ report from school colleagues and young wheelchair users.
•	The practical resources we have created to support young wheelchair users in school, co-created with our Youth Board.

Details: 
•	Date: Tuesday 3 March
•	Time: 15:30-16:15
•	Location: Teams (the link will be emailed to you the day before the webinar)
•	Cost: Free

To book, please sign up following this link - https://whizz-kidz.jotform.com/251054603456048?utm_campaign=4209235_Webinar%20school%20partner%20invites&amp;utm_medium=dotdigital&amp;utm_source=email&amp;dm_i=7L3V,2I7V7,6BSGZX,5D341,1,0,0,0

For more information, contact Jo Fashan - j.fashan@whizz-kidz.org.uk]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Joanna Fashan</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/webinar-supporting-young-wheelchair-users-in-school-2/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>Software for Maths exams</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/software-for-maths-exams-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:22:01 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Hi all.  I&#039;ve been working with students who use Splash City maths software to support their school work and have been asked about its suitability for public exams (GCSE, A Level).  I&#039;m give...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Hi all.  I've been working with students who use Splash City maths software to support their school work and have been asked about its suitability for public exams (GCSE, A Level).  I'm given to understand that the software is approved for this but haven't seen it in place myself.  I'm keen to get confirmation from anyone who has experience of it being used at GCSE or A Level.   
Are exam papers uploaded into it? or do students only use it for recording their answers (from either a hard copy or separate PDF version of the paper)?  
Is there an exam mode or particular way of setting it up (to restrict certain features)? 
And is it a centre delegated arrangement or does it need to be applied for in a particular way through JCQ? 

Any information you can share about Splash for exams, or any alternative maths software that is used well in exams, would be appreciated.]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>rachel.jones@ntlworld.com</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/software-for-maths-exams-2/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>live load manual handling training</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/live-load-manual-handling-training-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:19:37 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[HI all, I wondered if any of you are able to help with a query relating to live load manual handling training to schools? Thank you to those who I messaged individually.  In Havering we outs...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[HI all, I wondered if any of you are able to help with a query relating to live load manual handling training to schools? Thank you to those who I messaged individually.  In Havering we outsource this training to Herts but we organise centrally since we pay Herts for the training (free at point of delivery!). It has become a logistical nightmare with schools or training provider cancelling at the last minute and schools not offering their facilities to support (our office is a Town Hall - no opportunity for live load manual handling training there). I would just like to understand how you manage this in your local authorities/boroughs please?]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>julie.galligan@havering.gov.uk</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/live-load-manual-handling-training-2/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>Wheelchair Skills Videos</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/wheelchair-skills-videos-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[The Devon PD Team have finally completed our wheelchair skills videos, produced with our young people. We hope that these provide a tool for other young wheelchair users to develop skills, c...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Devon PD Team have finally completed our wheelchair skills videos, produced with our young people. We hope that these provide a tool for other young wheelchair users to develop skills, confidence and independence, Kelly https://www.devon.gov.uk/support-schools-settings/send/areas-of-need/sensory-and-or-physical/physical-difficulties/wheelchair-skills/]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Kelly Foster</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/wheelchair-skills-videos-2/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>Building Adaptations</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/building-adaptations-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:59:25 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Hi All,

Please could you let me know how your authorities manage funding of building adaptations i.e. door widening, accessible bathrooms etc]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Hi All,

Please could you let me know how your authorities manage funding of building adaptations i.e. door widening, accessible bathrooms etc]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Donna Carter</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/building-adaptations-2/</guid>
                    </item>
				                    <item>
                        <title>lock down protocol</title>
                        <link>https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/lock-down-protocol-2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:02:29 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[HI all, we held our south west regional meeting today, and one of the topics that came up for discussion was lock down protocol for wheelchair users in schools. I have been approched by a sc...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[HI all, we held our south west regional meeting today, and one of the topics that came up for discussion was lock down protocol for wheelchair users in schools. I have been approched by a school who say all children have to get under the table. I have recommended not getting out of the Wheelchair as this means they cannot evacuate efficiently if needed. I have suggested flipping a table over on its side and using this as a barrier, with the wheelchair user to park behind and if possible slide down in their seat. 
If they are in a room that is empty - such as drama or hall. Students to park wheelchair in the corner of the room facing into the wall, apply brakes and slide down in chair if possible. i have also suggested for some child to disengage the power facilities on the chair if they they have involuntary movements, which may move the chair unintentionally. 
I cant find any advice on line and my police and fire brigade contacts cant suggest anything. Just wondered if anyone else had any ideas or advice. thanks Emma]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://pdnet.org.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>ewaters1177@yahoo.com</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://pdnet.org.uk/community/migrated-forums-discussion/lock-down-protocol-2/</guid>
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