Southend Council Accessibility Strategy

School accessibility plans

Just as Section 10 of the Equality Act requires local authorities to prepare an accessibility strategy for schools for which it is responsible, it also requires the responsible body of a school to prepare an accessibility plan. This strategy and the Accessibility Action Plan, Accessibility Audit Tool and Accessibility Plan Template aim to support all schools in being able to meet this duty in writing and publishing their plan.

A school accessibility plan is a plan for:

• increasing the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the school's curriculum
• improving the physical environment of the school for the purpose of increasing the extent to which disabled pupils are able to take advantage of education and benefits, facilities or services provided or offered by the school
• improving the delivery to disabled pupils of information which is readily accessible to pupils who are not disabled.

Accessibility plans should be adequately resourced, regularly reviewed and revised as necessary e.g. when accommodation improvements or repair and maintenance work are being planned, where the organisation of the curriculum is being considered or school activities are organised. It should also be reported to parents/carers annually.

The Ofsted framework strengthens the requirements relating to equality of access and narrowing the gap in achievement. Governors should report annually on the impact of their school's arrangements for children and young people with SEND and progress made with implementing the accessibility plan.

All other educational settings are encouraged to have accessibility plans.

It is suggested that the School's Accessibility Plan is published on the school website, and hard copies can be provided upon request. The school should be prepared to make available versions of the plan in other, accessible formats to meet the needs of those requesting it, i.e. parents with English as a foreign language.

Further information/support

• The LA provides an Accessibility Plan Template. If you need a copy of this please email localoffer@southend.gov.uk
• The Equality Act 2010 and schools - Departmental advice for school leaders, school staff, governing bodies and local authorities (see Appendix 1)
• Lighting Guide 05 :Lighting for Education (SLL LG5)- separate sections for pupils with Hearing Impairment and Visual impairment
• Acoustic Design for schools and Building Bulletin 93

Review

The Equality Act 2010 requires SBC to keep its Accessibility Strategy under review during the period to which it relates and revise it if necessary. This strategy is the responsibility of the SEND team within the Learning and People Directorate. It will be monitored by officers within that service. The Accessibility Action Plan will be monitored and governed by the SEN Strategic Board.