Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care
Moving and positioning individuals according to their care plan requires understanding anatomy, legislation, and risk minimisation. Learners must prepare individuals, use safe techniques, and know when to seek advice from others.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The IAO Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals working or volunteering in a school setting under the supervision of a qualified teacher. This certificate equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to support pupils' learning, development, and well-being across primary, secondary, or special schools. It covers key areas such as child development, safeguarding, communication, and professional boundaries, ensuring that teaching assistants can effectively contribute to the classroom environment and help raise educational standards.
This qualification is particularly important because it provides a solid foundation for those aspiring to become teaching assistants, learning support assistants, or cover supervisors. It aligns with the UK's professional standards for teaching assistants and is often a prerequisite for further study, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools. By completing this certificate, learners demonstrate their commitment to supporting inclusive education and their ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external professionals to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
Within the broader context of education, this certificate ensures that support staff understand their role in promoting positive behaviour, fostering independence, and safeguarding children. It also emphasises the importance of reflective practice and continuous professional development, helping learners to build confidence and competence in their daily interactions with pupils. Whether you are new to the role or seeking formal recognition of your experience, this qualification is a vital step towards a rewarding career in education.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children: Understanding legal duties, recognising signs of abuse, and following school policies to ensure a safe learning environment.
- →Child and young person development: Knowledge of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development stages from birth to 19 years, and how to support learning accordingly.
- →Communication and professional relationships: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication with pupils, colleagues, and parents, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- →Supporting learning activities: Assisting teachers in planning, delivering, and evaluating lessons, including differentiation for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
- →Equality, diversity, and inclusion: Promoting inclusive practice, challenging discrimination, and ensuring all pupils have equal access to learning opportunities.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand anatomy and physiology in relation to moving and positioning individuals, Understand legislation and agreed ways of working when moving and positioning individuals, Be able to minimise risk before moving and positioning individuals, Be able to prepare individuals before moving and positioning, Be able to move and position an individual, Know when to seek advice from and/or involve others when moving and positioning an individual
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Describe relevant anatomy and physiology.
- Identify legislation and agreed ways of working.
- Minimise risks before moving and positioning.
- Prepare individuals appropriately.
- Move and position individuals safely.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Know key legislation like Manual Handling Operations.
- 💡Emphasise person-centred care.
- 💡Practice explaining step-by-step procedures.
- 💡Use specific examples from your school experience to illustrate your understanding of key concepts. For instance, when discussing safeguarding, describe a scenario where you followed the correct procedure.
- 💡Show how you link theory to practice. For example, when explaining child development, mention how you adapted a task for a pupil with delayed speech and language skills.
- 💡Pay attention to the wording of questions. If it asks for 'two ways', provide exactly two distinct points, and avoid vague statements. Use clear, concise language and refer to official terminology from the qualification.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Forgetting to check the care plan before moving.
- Using incorrect manual handling techniques.
- Ignoring individual's consent or comfort.
- Misconception: Teaching assistants are solely responsible for behaviour management. Correction: While TAs support behaviour, the teacher retains overall responsibility. TAs should follow the teacher's behaviour policy and report incidents appropriately.
- Misconception: Safeguarding only involves protecting children from physical harm. Correction: Safeguarding includes emotional abuse, neglect, online safety, and promoting children's overall well-being. TAs must be vigilant and report any concerns.
- Misconception: Supporting learning means just helping with worksheets. Correction: Effective support involves scaffolding learning, encouraging independence, and adapting activities to meet individual needs, not just completing tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for INNOVATE AWARDING Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •A basic understanding of the UK education system, including key stages and the roles of different staff members.
- •Some experience working or volunteering with children in a school or similar setting is beneficial but not mandatory.
- •A commitment to safeguarding and a willingness to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand anatomy and physiology in relation to moving and positioning individuals, Understand legislation and agreed ways of working when moving and positioning individuals, Be able to minimise risk before moving and positioning individuals, Be able to prepare individuals before moving and positioning, Be able to move and position an individual, Know when to seek advice from and/or involve others when moving and positioning an individual
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