Manual Handling Adviser 

Penny Townsend is the moving and handling specialist for Kirklees Schools. Penny is a qualified children’s physiotherapist and has a specialist qualification in moving and handling.  

Penny provides support to Fairfield School staff and students in the form of training in safer handling techniques, this includes using the hoists, slings, pushing chairs, standing transfers and anything else that requires safer handling techniques. Her role is to also look at complex handling situations and try to reduce any risk to the students and staff by providing alternative handling solutions where possible. 

Penny also carries out most of the sling assessments for the children at school, so if parents have any questions or concerns about the slings or if parents have a question about handling their children at home Penny can be available for advice, they can contact Penny via the school. 

Penny Townsend MCSP HCPC NBE advanced member