Personal Care in SEND Schools: What Should Be Discussed Before a Placement Starts?

Personal care can form an important part of some SEND support roles.

It should never be hidden in the small print.

Clear conversations before a candidate starts protect the pupil, the school and the member of staff.

What Might Personal Care Include?

Responsibilities vary significantly between settings and pupils.

They may include support with:

• Toileting

• Changing

• Dressing

• Feeding

• Hygiene

• Mobility

Schools should explain the role accurately and ensure relevant policies, training and supervision are in place.

Candidate Consent Matters

Not every Teaching Assistant has previous personal-care experience.

Some are completely comfortable developing these skills with appropriate training.

Others are not.

That conversation should happen before the placement is confirmed.

Dignity Comes First

Personal care should always protect the dignity, privacy and wellbeing of the child or young person.

Staff need to understand the school's procedures and follow them consistently.

Recruitment Briefs Should Be Explicit

When requesting temporary or long-term staff, schools should tell their agency whether personal care forms part of the role.

This avoids placing a candidate into an environment they have not agreed to undertake.

It also allows recruiters to identify people with relevant previous experience.

Better Information Produces Better Placements

SEND recruitment works best when everyone knows what the role involves before day one.

Uniform Education recruits staff for a wide variety of specialist settings, including environments supporting complex and physical needs.

Contact info@uniformeducation.co.uk to discuss your staffing requirements.​