Making the Most of Your Liko Golvo 9000
In SEND schools, equipment is never just equipment, it’s a bridge to independence, confidence, inclusion and fun. The Liko Golvo 9000 is often thought of as a safe lifting solution, but in a school spaces it can become so much more. With the right approach, it supports learning, movement, play and joy throughout the school day.
Here’s how schools can unlock its full potential.
From the Floor Up: Supporting Confidence and Safety
In any busy classroom or therapy room, children explore the world at floor level. Whether it’s sensory play, physio exercises, group circle time, or simply relaxing on a mat, being able to move safely between the floor and seating positions is essential.
The Golvo 9000 allows staff to lift pupils smoothly and safely from the floor, reducing risk and giving children reassurance that transitions can feel calm and controlled rather than rushed or stressful.
This matters more than we sometimes realise. When pupils feel secure during transfers, they are more likely to:
- Engage in floor-based learning
- Try new activities
- Feel confident exploring different environments
It transforms the floor from a “hard to reach” space into a welcoming learning area.
Encouraging Early Walking and Weight Bearing
One of the most exciting uses of the Golvo 9000 in a SEND setting is using its specialised arms to support assisted standing and walking practice.
For many pupils, learning to weight bear and take steps is a huge milestone. With the right sling and setup, the hoist can:
- Provide partial body-weight support
- Help pupils experience upright posture safely
- Reduce fear of falling
- Allow longer standing or stepping sessions without fatigue
Instead of walking practice feeling clinical or tiring, it can become part of play and exploration. Pupils can move around the therapy room, approach activities at eye level, and experience movement in a way that feels empowering.
This kind of supported mobility helps build:
- Strength and endurance
- Balance and coordination
- Confidence and independence
Encouraging Dance and Movement
Music and movement are powerful motivators for children. With the right support, the Golvo 9000 can help pupils experience dance-like movement, swaying, stepping and moving rhythmically.
This can:
- Improve core strength
- Encourage balance reactions
- Develop body awareness
- Promote emotional expression
- Build joy and confidence in movement
For some pupils, this may be the first time they experience the freedom of upright movement to music — and the emotional impact can be huge.
Building Joy, Not Just Mobility
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: the Golvo 9000 is not just about lifting — it’s about participation.
It helps pupils:
- Join in activities with peers
- Access spaces around the school
- Experience new ways of moving
- Feel included and capable
When we move beyond purely functional transfers and start using the hoist creatively, we unlock opportunities for pupils to learn, play, and thrive.
Final Thoughts
In a SEND school, the Golvo 9000 can be so much more than a hoist. It can be a tool for exploration, therapy, play, and independence.
From safe floor lifts to supported walking, from football games to dance sessions, the possibilities are wide-ranging. With the right training, creativity and slings, staff can transform everyday transfers into moments of progress and joy.
Because the best outcomes happen when safety, therapy and fun come together.
