Springwater School is a specialist SEND school in Harrogate, supporting children and young people aged 2–19 with a wide range of complex needs, including physical disabilities, profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and medical needs.

The school is part of the The Ascent Academies’ Trust, which supports a number of specialist settings focused on inclusive education and personalised learning. Springwater places a strong emphasis on therapy-led support, ensuring students are able to access education in a safe, comfortable and dignified environment.

As part of ongoing investment into its facilities, the school required a comprehensive hoisting solution to support safe moving and handling, while maintaining dignity and minimising disruption to learning.

The project was designed to create a fully integrated hoisting system across key teaching and care areas.

A total of 7 ceiling track hoists were installed throughout the school, all configured as XY systems to provide full room coverage and flexibility for both staff and students.

Several of the hoists are linked via gated tracking systems, allowing safe transfers between classrooms and a central medical room. This setup enables students to move between spaces without the need for manual transfers or leaving their immediate learning environment, supporting both dignity and continuity.

In addition, a dedicated hygiene room has been equipped with a standalone ceiling track hoist, ensuring that personal care can be carried out in a purpose-built space separate from the gated system.

The hoisting system at Springwater School provides:

→ Safe, dignified transfers for students with complex physical needs
→ Reduced manual handling and physical strain for staff
→ Direct classroom-to-medical room access via gated systems
→ Dedicated hygiene space for personal care
→ Greater flexibility in how spaces are used and adapted
→ Improved efficiency in daily care routines

For the school, this represents:

→ A significant investment in safe moving and handling infrastructure
→ Enhanced SEND provision through integrated and standalone hoisting systems
→ Future-ready facilities that support a wide range of needs

The installation at Springwater School demonstrates how well-designed ceiling track hoist systems can transform both care delivery and the learning experience.

By incorporating this equipment the school now benefits from a fully connected yet flexible environment that prioritises safety, dignity, and efficiency.

This project highlights the importance of early planning and specialist design in creating spaces that truly support students with complex needs.

If you’d like to learn more about Hygiene Rooms for schools or discuss a project, please contact our team today.