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British Schools Museum - Reception and Infant School

41-42 Queen Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9TS

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The British Schools Museum is a collection of historic buildings which allows you to explore 200 years of school days and childhood.

Opening Times

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday Closed.
  • Wednesday Closed.
  • Thursday Closed.
  • Friday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 13:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 17:00.
  • Comments View
    • Last entry time for the museum is 30 minutes before closing time.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Hitchin.

Parking (Staff and Blue Badge)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can booked in advance.
    • There is/are 0 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is no visitor parking available at the museum except by prior arrangement for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is a pay and display car park about 200m away by St Mary’s Church.

Outside Access (Reception and Infant School Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a small raised threshold in the doorway.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Museum

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located immediately beyond reception.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 67cm (2ft 2in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Accessible Toilet (Ambulant)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block within the car park.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 121cm x 300cm (3ft 12in x 9ft 10in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 235cm (7ft 9in).
    • There There is a dropdown rail, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the ambulant toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).

Level Change (Ambulant Toilet)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are 6m (6yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are low.

Level Change (Male Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the toilets.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 95cm (3ft 1in).

Level Change (Female Toilets)

  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium height.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.