An accessibility policy is required at all stages of schooling, including at nursery, preschool, primary, secondary, college and university. 

Some recommendations:

Improve The Physical Environment

 It is essential that all pupils, staff, and visitors can access playgrounds & buildings. Accessbility improvements can include:

- Widening existing interior openings and adding new external doors with ramped access. Ensure that the ramp surface is slip-resistant with a GRP covering or a rubber crumb soft surface.

Any DDA improvements may require to be signed off by building control and comply with Document M and K of the building regulations.

Remember that the minimum width of a ramped or stepped approach is 1500mm and the minimum handrail height for a level platform is 1100mm.

Also, If the ramp height exceeds 380mm, Infill handrails are required to prevent users from climbing or falling through gaps.

- Removing dilapidated or unsafe access structures. This includes replacing any rotting or slippery wooden ramps.

Before                                After

- Provide wheelchair access to play spaces.

- Provide on-site disabled toilets and changing facilities.

- Provide handrails to support individuals with limited mobility.

Improve the Emergency Evacuation Policy

Implement measures to ensure disabled staff and pupils’ safety in the event of a fire. improvements can include:

- Providing wheelchair accessible fire exits. Ensure to choose a ramp that is fire-resistant, such as a metal system. Wooden ramps will burn if exposed to fire.

-  Ensure to have audible and visual alarms to assist the deaf and hearing impaired

- PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)

A personal plan is required for anyone who needs additional help to evacuate the building in an emergency, including:

• Mobility impairment, e.g., wheelchair user
• Sight impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Cognitive impairment
• A medical condition or injury which might cause them to need assistance to evacuate safely.

The plan must:

• Identify areas that are used by disabled people. Consult with the person on this. Evacuation Chair
• List specialist equipment that may be necessary, e.g. an Evacuation Chair is used to help a mobility-impaired person make a quicker and safer evacuation. 
• Name anyone appointed to assist the person in an emergency.
• Identify all disabled accessible routes and exits.
• Identify any staff training required in relation to the personal plan.

Improve Access To Information 

- Ensure signage includes visuals to allow pupils at all reading levels to comprehend.

- Invest in products and teaching resources that will support pupils with varying learning difficulties or disabilities, such as Dyslexia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia Autism and Asperger's syndrome.

Knowledge Is Power

- Offer staff training on topics such as invisible disabilities. Not all disabilities are visible – some are hidden and not immediately obvious, such as learning difficulties, mental health as well as mobility, speech, visual or hearing impairments.  

There are many measures that can be applied depending on each schools’ individual circumstances and environments. However, an access audit will identify necessary improvements for the accessibility plan.

We can carry out a site survey to identify if ramped or stepped access is feasible. Call 01424 714646 or email: [email protected] to get started.