Physical Difficulties Support Service
The Physical Difficulties Support Service (PDSS) provides specialist support to schools/settings and Children and Young Persons who have –
- a moderate/significant physical difficulty as their primary need.
- a medical condition, which affects their physical access to the school day.
The team support schools and settings to remove barriers to pupil’s access, learning, social interaction and developing independence.
The PDSS are qualified teachers with a specialism and expertise in supporting children and young people with physical difficulties.
PDSS advises schools and settings on their compliance with equality and statutory duties. This ensures that children and young people with physical difficulties are not discriminated against or put at a disadvantage.
PDSS promotes disability equality and disability awareness within our educational settings.
If you have any questions regarding the PDSS contact via email one of the coordinators below.
How to refer to PDSS
Download PDSS Referral Form
Referral Form
PDSS Training 2024
For more information about the PDSS training please click on the links below.
To book a place on PDSS training please click here
Accessible Schools
PDSS supports schools/settings to assess the educational environment in terms of physical access and supports them to keep children with physical difficulties safe.
PDSS offer essential specialist support and advice around transition and aim for all children and young people to have accessible school placements.
Good Sitting
PDSS offer advice on the importance of a good sitting position and how to achieve it for pupils with physical difficulties.
Developing Independence & Preparation for Adulthood
The Preparation for Adulthood guidance can be found here.
PDSS offer advice around
- the development of self-help and independence in daily life skills.
- preparation for adulthood.
- involving children with decision making.
Physical Management Planning
PDSS support schools in writing a Physical Management Plan for pupils with physical difficulties.
Educational Visits
PDSS offer advice around considerations required for the inclusion of pupils with physical difficulties in educational visits.
- Transport
- Venues
- Facilities
Please contact your PDSS teacher for a copy of the Educational visits consideration form.
[tab_inner title=”Professional Development Opportunities”]
[/tab_inner]
PDNet Free Level 1 Training – Raising Awareness of Physical Disability
Who is the training for?
This free online training module is designed for anyone working within an educational setting who needs to develop their awareness and understanding of physical disability and the impact it can have on learning.
What does the training involve?
The Level 1 module is approximately one hour in length and uses custom graphics and scenario-based learning to help users to understand the barriers or challenges that can be faced by children and young people with a physical disability and the steps that can be taken to overcome these.
How do I get started?
Once registered with PDNet, you can work through the training at your own pace and revisit as many times as you need. A downloadable digital certificate is awarded on completion of each module.
Follow this link to register and access the training. https://pdnet.org.uk/register/
What you need to know about supporting learners with Physical Difficulties in the Further Education Sector
PDNet have been working with The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and are delighted to share a free interactive on-line resource.
You can register and complete this 15-20 minute on-line resource by clicking on the link below.
https://booking.etfoundation.co.uk/course/details/1048
If you have any questions about this training please contact at support@pdnet.org.uk
Free e-learning resource – Pre-term Birth Information for Education Professionals
The e-learning resource was co-designed with teachers, educational psychologists, parents of children born preterm, and young adults who were born preterm themselves and comprises evidence-based information about what preterm birth is, how it may affect children’s development and learning, and what can be done to support them in the classroom.
The e-learning resource can be accessed for free using this weblink: www.pretermbirth.info.
An accompanying podcast about the e-learning resource and about the educational needs of preterm born children more generally has also been released by the TES. This can be accessed here:
https://www.tes.com/news/should-teachers-be-told-if-pupil-was-born-preterm
Please email Professor Johnson’s team at prism@le.ac.uk if you would like any further information or would like to provide any feedback about the resource.