Network of accessible schools for children and young people with physical disabilities

This document has been developed to help professionals make decisions which meet the needs of the child and young person, are financially efficient and raise awareness of parents and carers about accessible facilities available in their local area.

Are recently built schools accessible?

Recently built schools have been designed to be compliant with equalities legislation in force at the time, but this does not mean that they meet current legislative standards.

What does an 'accessible' school mean?

Schools are described as ‘accessible’ if they meet basic requirements such as level access, disabled toilet facilities, provision of ramps and chair lifts at internal level changes.

Compliance of door widths and rate of incline of ramps has not been checked for the purposes of this document.  Some schools may fail a full, current accessibility inspection if rigorously tested. Being described as ‘accessible’ is not a guarantee that the school meets the full requirements of the Equality Act 2010, which depends on the needs of each individual child.

In making decisions about the accessibility of a school it is acknowledged that there is a continuum of disability and accessibility. There will always be a degree of individual need and uniqueness. Under the requirement to make ‘reasonable adjustments’, set out in the Equality Act 2010, there is an expectation that all schools will do what they can within the scope of their facilities and resources to accept a child or young person with a physical disability with some management.

Where can I go for further advice?

For further advice schools should contact their designated Entrust District Property Officer.