Training Highlights at Exeter House School, Salisbury (4th-6th September 2023).

A Week of Intensive Training

The first week of September was challenging yet rewarding for Sam, Ben, and me as we conducted Moving and Handling training at Exeter House School. Over three days, we delivered six courses under the sweltering heat, culminating in a practical Moving and Handling session.

Staff Dedication and Engagement

Despite the early term pressures and the start of a new academic year, the staff’s focus and dedication were commendable. Their enthusiasm and engagement made the training sessions both productive and enjoyable.

A Memorable Experience

We shared many moments of fun and laughter, making the exhausting week worthwhile. The commitment shown by the staff at Exeter House School was inspiring.

Sam and Ben – Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer

A Heartwarming Return

Short break services for young people are truly remarkable. Returning to train new staff at Pinecroft and Cressingham was a delightful experience. These centres provide much-needed respite for young people and their carers, and the staff’s constant smiles are a testament to their dedication.

Engaging Training Sessions

We were thrilled to deliver both theory and practical Moving and Handling training. The staff’s enthusiasm and commitment made the sessions highly productive and enjoyable.

Memorable Moments

Sam and Ben had a wonderful time, and the positive atmosphere at the centres made the training sessions even more special.

Exeter House School Salisbury Somerset Road Education Trust (SRET) 26th June 2023.

We all learn differently; for some, games are a lovely way to reinforce learning. Powerpoint delivery can be dull and uninteresting, interspersed with games. It can change the whole way a participant feels and learns. I am training many staff at Exeter House, and they have all loved the training.

Exeter House School Salisbury Somerset Road Education Trust (SRET) 26th May 2023.

Three training dolls and lots of fun and laughter, we returned to Exeter house to run more courses and what a fun day we had. Delivering any training can be difficult at times, but the staff in all the settings I work have been keen to embrace the friends I take with me.

Exeter House School Salisbury Somerset Road Education Trust (SRET) 27th April 2023.

Hi, Ho hi ho, it’s off to work we go. Three training dolls, one lady and a camper van. For the last few weeks, my friends and I have stayed in my camper van instead of using hotels. It has been fun and a nice change.
I have been working at Exeter House, House School, in Salisbury. The campsite is within walking distance from the school.
On Tuesday, I ran a Moving and Handling theory and practical course. I’m not sure who had more fun, the staff or Sam, Ben and Hazel.
The staff had a fantastic time, and so did I. We shall return to the school to continue working for them under my consultancy service, running more courses and staying in my camper van in a few weeks.

St Martin’s C of E Primary School West Drayton part of the Frays Academy Trust 19th April 2023.

An early start for me and my four companions Sam, Ben Hazel and Tina, we returned to St Martin’s CE Primary School in West Drayton to deliver a refresher course on Moving and Handling Training theory and practical course.
The staff were amazing. All the training dolls had great fun; in our practice session, we focussed on inserting and removing slings.
Thank you for a lovely day at St Martin’s. There was so much laughter. You are a fantastic team.

Berkshire College of Agriculture is part of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group. 10th January 2023.

Training on the safe use of Wheelchair and Occupant restraint systems.

The Berkshire College of Agriculture staff, part of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group, attended training on the safe use of Wheelchair and Occupant restraint systems.
At times, the weather could have been more kind to us. Luckily, Ben (my training doll) came prepared with his raincoat. But I did forget his waterproof trousers. 
Some of the subjects we covered were mini bus layouts, electric wheelchairs, and the need to power them down. The different types of wheelchairs, how not all are suitable for transport, and the different types of wheelchair tie-downs available.
If you run one minibus or several, have your staff undertaken training or had their practices reviewed?

Hawkedon Primary School Lower Earley Reading 8th December 2022.

You wonder how the staff will feel when you run a Moving and Handling course after hours. Will they be receptive to training after they have had a long day?
The Hawkedon School staff were great fun and amazing, fuelled by an evening snack partway through the course. All staff members participated fully.
One of the subjects we discussed was staff member positions. When working with very young children, it is challenging to adopt perfect working practices when all the furniture is so small; there is plenty to work on and discuss going forward. Sam and Ben helped by being our young children.
Ben’s evening snack of a biscuit and a can of fizzy drink was questioned. It was suggested he go for a healthier option, bearing in mind all the chocolates he ate, but as you can see from the picture, he listened to no one and ate the biscuit. I love the pictures and the expression of the staff.
Sam meanwhile had his eyes on a plateful of food.

https://taniahemstock.co.uk/sam-and-ben/

Thanks to Julia Morley, SENCO and her team for a lovely evening. I look forward to supporting you with my consultancy service.

Windmill Primary School Wokingham is an Academy within the GLF Schools group.

26th November 2022.

Today, I received a Google review from a staff member I have worked closely with at Windmill School in Wokingham.
It is lovely to get feedback from the senior Staff who have engaged you. But for a staff member to take the time to write some feedback on how I supported her is very touching and shows me that the work I do is appreciated, and that, for me, is why I love Guiding, Advising and Educating Staff on how we can improve our practices.
In one of my roles, I have been an occupational therapy assistant. I am passionate about sensory circuits/diets and have created several booklets for staff to use in the school setting.
I supported Karen (Windmill School, part of the GLF schools group) by giving her ideas on what the school could do in their school settings concerning sensory diet activities alongside the role of moving and handling training and consultancy at the school.
Thank you, Karen.

The training and support I received from Tania were amazing. She provided in-depth, relevant information and training for the setting in which I work. She has always been available via email to provide extra support and information on where to go for further information on products and resources I require.
I would highly recommend Tania, and I look forward to being able to work with Tania again in the future.
Karen Esson

Windmill Primary School Wokingham is an Academy within the GLF Schools group

25th November 2022

Moving and Handling Training and Consultancy

It is lovely going to schools running courses with Sam and Ben as my assistants and supporting the schools with some consultancy work, and it is sad when we leave.

We have been working with amazing staff and pupils who have been so welcoming. 

Our time at Windmill Primary School in Wokingham, part of the GLF Schools Group, has ended. 

Thank you, Nicola (Headteacher). I thoroughly enjoyed delivering my courses and working with your staff, teaching them how to create risk pupil risk assessments and safe work systems for the staff. 

Guiding, advising and educating the staff on establishing sensory circuits throughout the school and sharing information on sensory diets for pupils.

Thank you to all at the Windmill Primary School in Wokingham for welcoming me.

Nicole left a lovely Google review.

Tania has been invaluable in her advisory role at our school. She has delivered training and consultancy with passion, clarity and professionalism. Would not hesitate to recommend or engage Tania’s services again!

Windmill Primary School Wokingham is an Academy within the GLF Schools group.

31st October 2022

 I delivered two Moving and Handling theory courses to the staff who work at the Windmill Primary School in Wokingham.

Some of the subjects we discussed:
Looking at the everyday activities that the delegates might participate in when at home. We discussed how much pressure can go through the different parts of their bodies when lifting people, both small and large, onto their shoulders and whether they should do it. Ben and Sam had great fun playing a supporting role.
The staff’s role when escorting children while walking is to ensure staff have safe handholds. The staff were amazing; the day had lots of fun and laughter. A huge thank you to everyone.
Luckily, we arrived home and unpacked just as the heavens opened.

Reading Girls’ School is part of the Thames Learning Trust, 21st October 2022.

Moving and Handling Theory Course training for schools.

As part of an Inset Day, I delivered a Moving and handling theory course to a small group. Sam and Ben supported me. We looked at creating a Pupils’ Risk assessment and how to create Moving and Handling plans to support staff who support pupils who need moving and handling support. We discussed the importance of ensuring the paperwork supports the staff and the pupils they assist. https://taniahemstock.co.uk/consultancy-moving-and-handling/

Moving and Handling Training Part of Reading Brighter Futures for Children, Reading 20th October 2022.

Moving and Handling theory and practical courses

A fantastic day running theory and practical courses. For the staff at Pinecroft, a Reading short breaks centre.
Sam and Ben, my training dolls, supported me as I delivered a theory course, and in the afternoon, I ran two practical sessions covering hoisting, slide sheets and bed sheets. What fun we all had. Thank you to everyone. Wherever I take Sam and Ben on a course, the staff love having them around, and they soon become part of the group; they help create conversation and help problem-solve

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you manage a children’s home/respite centre or have a small team of carers. I am happy to travel.

https://taniahemstock.co.uk/training/.

Nine Mile Ride School, Finchampstead Wokingham 2nd September 2022.

Moving and Handling Training and Consultancy

Running, moving and handling courses for schools is great fun. On Friday, I ran some training for a school. Nine Mile Ride School in Wokingham. Part of the Circle Trust.
Thank you so much for a lovely day. Running a course on the 1st day back on an Inset day is hard. The staff can often be distracted by other things, so they did brilliantly.
I am also helping the school with some consultancy work. I was guiding the school in managing their paperwork concerning risk assessments, moving and handling plans for the young people in their school, and school site surveys.

Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer

Testimonial from Cressingham Short Breaks Service Reading Part of Reading Brighter Futures for Children. 27th July 2022

Moving and Handling Training Theory and Practical Course

Testimonial from Cressingham Short Breaks Service Brighter Futures for Children Reading 27th July 2022.

Some lovely feedback from Samantha Whitehouse after I delivered some moving and handling theory and practical training Registered Manager, Cressingham Short Breaks Brighter Futures for Children.
If your staff need training in schools, nurseries, respite centres etc., Please do not hesitate to call me.

I am happy to travel. Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer

Written testimonial
Tania delivered manual handling training to my staff team and me, who support a range of children with additional needs.
Tania did a pre-visit so she could see the equipment we use and discuss our training needs.
The course was very thorough and covered everything I had asked for. Tania engaged the staff through various learning tools and had us up on our feet to keep us engaged.
The practical assessments were really helpful, and my staff team fed back that this was incredibly beneficial to them, they were able to discuss specific children and their needs, and Tania helped to problem solve.
Tania has provided me with up-to-date guidance on manual handling and product information on our slings and hoists. This has been helpful as I am reviewing all my manual handling files to ensure we are compliant and always using best practice following as an action from attending the course.

I would highly recommend Tania for other home settings; her knowledge and experience was a real benefit to us.

Samantha Whitehouse
Registered Manager, Cressingham Short Breaks
Brighter Futures for Children
27 Cressingham Road, Reading, RG2 7RU

Moving and Handling Training and Consultancy 25th May 2022.

 
Tania Hemstock consulted for us at St Martin’s C E Primary School. We have a number of pupils with a range of disabilities, and we felt that we needed strong guidance is able to strengthen our provisions in place for them. Tania offered a complete evaluation as part of her consultancy for us. The knowledge and understanding was of great benefit to both our staff, our pupils and the school as a whole. We are now implementing all the proposed actions in the full report we received. Thanks to Tania, we are much more confident in our ability to provide quality care for our pupils with disability needs.
 
Our staff all attended the Moving and Handling Training and we had great feedback about the training they received. They found the training fun and interactive. They enjoyed the course and feel confident in using OT equipment and working with our pupils. It has really improved the quality and standards in school. Our staff are all aware of safe working practices, which has made them know that they are being looked after. This has had a great impact on the morale of our support staff, as well as the quality of care our pupils are now receiving.
 
Jacqui Crome – Office Manager

Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer

Cressingham Short Breaks Service Reading Part of Reading Brighter Futures for Children.

25th July 2022.

Moving and Handling Training

A fantastic day running theory and practical courses. For the staff at Cressingham, a Reading children’s home run by Brighter Futures for Children.
Sam and Ben, my training dolls, helped me run two practice sessions. Covering hoisting and slide sheets The feedback was terrific. Thank you to everyone. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you manage a children’s home/respite centre or have a small team of carers. I am happy to travel.

Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer

Part of the Midas scheme 12th June 2022

I chose to spend the last few sunny days in the classroom, and I am happy to announce that I am now Passenger Assistant Traner (PATS)
Thank you to P&R training Peter Biddle. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. A brilliant trainer.

Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer

Wokingham Council Corporate Transport Unit 18th May 2022.

School Transport Training.

Today I ran another course for Wokingham Council corporate transport unit. One of the main subjects covered was focussing on the different types of Crelling Harnesses and best practices when fitting them. Well, what fun we had. The delegates even managed to practise using a harness on me.

Seatbelts & Harnesses for Children & Adults with Special Needs – Crelling Harnesses Ltd
I asked all the delegates if they had learnt something tonight. The general response was they were surprised at how much time it can take to fit a harness and how well it needs to fit. Most delegates had not realised the importance of reading the Instruction for Use sheet before fitting a harness; otherwise, the harness could even be fitted upside down. I even got the delegates to inspect each other’s work and see if they could recommend any improvements to each other’s work.

Tania Hemstock Moving And Handling Trainer