Co-op College Stoke-on-Trent

Accessibility Plan

October 2021

The Co –operative Academy of Stoke- on Trent Mission statement:--

The core values of the Academy are: - Respect, Equality and Responsibility.

Context

The Accessibility plan addresses the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010 (which replaces the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) and supports our Mission Statement by a commitment to:-

Continue to improve all aspects of the environment of the Academy site and resources so that all disabled students can take full advantage of the educational and extra-curricular activities provided.

Definition (Equality Act 2010)

“A person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day to day activities”

Recent Academy Developments

In September 2012 the Academy opened in a new purpose built £23million building funded through the BSF (Building School for the Future) Programme.

Compliance with the DDA was a priority when planning the new Academy building which has ensured that features to support access for disabled students, staff and visitors are incorporated into the design. These include:-

● Ample disabled parking adjacent to the reception area and Community entrance.

● Disabled access through automatic doors

● Lift access to all floors with braille on control buttons

● Automatic lighting to assist visually impaired

● Disabled toilet provision in all Faculties /areas

● Disabled changing/shower facilities in PE/IZONE

● Wide accessible corridors for wheelchair access

● All stairs compliant with contrast strips for visually impaired

● All walls/floors and furniture compliant with 30% colour difference for visually impaired

● Wiring for sound field equipment in place in all teaching rooms

● Hearing loop in place in lecture theatre, hall, reception, sports hall and interview rooms by reception. ● Adjustable table /work bench height for wheelchair users in all faculties

● Fire alarm pitch appropriate for hearing impaired

● Signage at height/size/location for visually impaired

● Wheelchair access for tiered seating in the hall

● Switches and door handles at wheelchair height throughout the building

● Evacuation arrangements in place with call buttons on stairwells

● Windows in doors are compliant with DDA recommendations

Maintenance and renewal

To ensure that these features do not fall into disrepair they are monitored regularly by site supervisory staff. Individual needs

Changes may need to be made to this plan to meet the changing needs of individuals. Advice from the SENDCo (for students) and line managers (for staff) will be acted upon and provision made as required.

Specific priorities include:-

● Review the Academy’s responsibility under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010)

● Provide mobile sound field system to be located where needed.

● Ramped access from main gate to student entrance

In addition to these priorities the Academy will:-

● Constantly review the provision of support for disabled students and visitors, taking on board new developments and resources. Curriculum delivery

The Academy actively seeks the support and advice of all relevant services to ensure the curriculum is accessible to all students.

Relevant modifications to the delivery of the curriculum are negotiated on an individual basis as required with the advice and support of SENSS, SENDCo and any other relevant agency.

Associated policies and plans

This plan should be considered in conjunction with the following relevant policies.

● Equal Opportunities for students

● SEND policy

● Curriculum policy

● School ADP

Review and Evaluation

This plan is a policy of the Governing Body and will be reviewed biannually by the Inclusion Committee.

Adopted by the Academy .............................................................................................. Chair of Governors

……………………………………………………………………. Headteacher ..............................................................................................

Review Date .....Sept 2022.........................................................................................

Planning duty 1: Curriculum

Governing bodies should undertake an audit of the extent to which pupils with disabilities can access the curriculum on an equal basis with their peers. Short, medium and long term action should then be identified to address specific gaps and improve access. All procedures will be carried out in a reasonable time, and after taking into account pupils’ disabilities and the preferences of themselves or their parents/carers.

Planning duty 2: Physical environment

Governing bodies should undertake an audit of the extent to which pupils with disabilities can access the physical environment on an equal basis with their peers. Short, medium and long term action should then be identified to address specific gaps and improve access. All procedures will be carried out in a reasonable time, and after taking into account pupils’ disabilities and the preferences of themselves or

their parents/carers. 

Mediu m

term

Transition

arrangements

Liaise with

Primary Schools

SENDCO / Head of

Transition

Sprin g

2022

More detailed information about students and the information is provided earlier

Autumn 2022

Planning duty 3: Information