Multicare Medical: Transforming Access at Castle School

Transforming Access at Castle School with a Multi-Room Ceiling Hoist System

Castle School in Cambridge is a specialist education setting supporting children and young people with complex physical, sensory and cognitive needs. Guided by its ethos – Be Confident, Be Kind, Be Creative – accessibility is central to daily life.

The school’s Pre-Formal Reactive Hub provides a safe, multisensory environment where pupils receive tailored learning, therapy and personal care.

With pupils moving frequently between classrooms, therapy areas and hygiene spaces, seamless transitions are essential. However, the hub’s existing overhead hoist system had become outdated and restrictive. It no longer supported the smooth, dignified movement that staff and pupils relied upon each day.
 

A complex accessibility challenge

The school was not simply looking for a replacement system. The aim was to create a fully integrated, future-proof multi-room solution that would unify the entire hub into one accessible environment – enabling safe transfers, supporting therapy and mobility work, and promoting independence wherever possible.

Given the structural and operational complexity of the building, the school approached three providers. One declined to undertake the project, while another offered a quotation without addressing structural requirements. In contrast, Multicare Medical advised that a full structural assessment was essential before any installation could proceed.
 

Support for structural assessment

Rather than rushing to quote, Multicare supported the school in commissioning a structural engineer to ensure the building could safely accommodate the proposed system. This measured and transparent approach gave the leadership team confidence that the project would be delivered correctly and safely.

Following the structural review, Castle School appointed Multicare to design and deliver the installation.
 

A fully integrated solution

The completed project features a bespoke Guldmann GH1 ceiling-track system extending across the entire Pre-Formal Reactive Hub. The system connects classrooms, communal areas and hygiene facilities, enabling smooth, uninterrupted movement between spaces.

Designed around pupil and staff needs, the installation supports both horizontal transfers and active mobility. Standing slings can be used to facilitate supported walking between rooms, while a dual-track configuration allows simultaneous transfers during busier periods. Turntables and integrated connection points link the different zones of the hub, creating a cohesive, accessible environment.

Despite the scale and complexity of the works, the project was completed on time and within budget.
 

Transformational impact

The impact on daily school life has been significant. Transitions between activities are quicker and more efficient, staff experience reduced physical strain, and pupils benefit from greater independence and participation across learning and therapy sessions. Importantly, the flexible design ensures the system can adapt as pupil needs evolve.

Headteacher Charlotte Whysall described the outcome as transformational, noting:

“The design integrated perfectly with the existing structure and offered dual-track operation. Multicare demonstrated an excellent understanding of our educational and therapeutic context. They could see our vision for the space and helped us translate it into reality.”

Reflecting on the delivery process, she added:

“The project team were responsive, professional, and knowledgeable throughout. Communication was clear at every stage from site survey and design through to installation and staff training. They worked flexibly around our school schedule, ensuring minimal disruption to pupils and classes.”

For Castle School, the result is more than a technical upgrade — it is a carefully designed accessibility solution that supports dignity, independence and active participation at the heart of the school day.

Contact Multicare Medical directly for more information – phone 024 7647 2600, send an email.