Southend-on-Sea City Council Accessibility Strategy 2025 to 2028

Access to school site:

• Clear high contrast signage at gates, entrance and exits
• Level access pathways with dropped kerb and textured paving where necessary
• Signposting to disabled parking at entrance
• Disabled parking (two bays)
• Dropped kerb from the car park to the pathway with textured paving
• Pathway well lit
• Pathways monitored half termly
• Pathways are clear of hazards such as open windows or overhanging foliage
• Ramps are available to access stepped areas on the school site, or an alternative route is provided with signage at front gates
• Ramps are slip resistant when wet
• Resting area on ramps
• Handrails on stepped areas
• Steps have a highlighted edge
• Designated drop off/ pick up point at the entrance
• Waiting area/bench at the pick-up point

Entrances to school:

• Entrance is clearly visible with clear high contrast signage
• Level access entrance with level matting
• Entrance call system at accessible height and clearly marked
• Entrance is well lit
• Cover/weather protection at the entrance
• Reception is clearly marked with accessible signage
• Widened entrance with clear pathway
• Glazing is clearly marked
• Exit signage is clear
• Entrance lobby is big enough for a wheelchair user and one adult carer
• Lighting and transition to different lighting levels when entering or exiting  the building
• Space to wait and adjust
• Chairs available in reception

Corridors and classrooms:

• Wide, accessible corridors with slip resistant flooring
• Directions and signage clear, tactile and high contrasting
• Corridors well lit
• Corridors kept clear at ground height
• Doors and handles clearly visible and contrasting to walls
• Displays at appropriate, differing levels according to need
• Raised areas or steps highlighted and clearly marked making it clear when there is a change in floor
• Sized furniture reflects pupil size

Changing areas, coat areas:

• Hooks correct height
• Lockers correct height
• Access to a disabled toilet
• Specialist equipment (height adjustable changing table, portable host with training for staff in manual handling and hoist management)
• Adequate spacing to allow movement and clear paths of access

Outside areas:

• Level access pathways to outside areas
• Clear high contrasting signage
• External posts clearly marked
• Pathways kept clear
• Raised areas or steps highlighted and clearly marked making it clear when there is a change in floor or ground height
• Steps have a tactile surface of raised ribs set parallel to the top step nosings

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP):

• Clear protocols in place to evacuate safely
• Emergency alarms both auditory and visible to all
• Flashing light system working
• Staff have appropriate Manual Handling training to assist pupils and adults with disabilities from the building
• Evac Chairs available for upper floors