You are on Community Centre. Skip to the next section.

Community Centre

• Services/facilities provided include; private function rooms for hire with a mixture of rooms served by a modern kitchen.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

Collapse all Expand all

• By Road View
  • The community centre is approximately 2 miles from Junction 6 of the M20. As you exit the M20 follow the A229 south and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Royal Engineer's Road. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit onto Staceys Street and then the 2nd exit at the next roundabout. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Lower Boxley Road (B2012) and then take the 2nd left onto Wheeler Street. Follow the road and then take the 2nd left onto Bluett Street and the venue is at the end of the road.
  • The venue has it's own car park for users of the community centre and is free to use. The car park is located at the rear of the building.
    There is parking also available in the surrounding streets.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • The nearest bus stop is on Boxley Road, opposite the rear of the venue. The services that run from this bus stop are the 79, 130, 131 & 774.
  • For more information on Arriva Bus please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Maidstone East.
  • Maidstone East is approximately 0.5 miles from the venue. There are direct train services to London Victoria and Ashford International.
  • For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
• Staff do not receive deaf awareness training.
• British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are not mobility aids available.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The building does have its own parking facilities.

Collapse all Expand all

• Parking View
  • The car park is located at the rear of the building.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 390cm x 610cm.
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
• Paying View
  • There are no parking charges for the car park.
• Access from the Car Park View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is not clearly signposted.
  • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 80m from the main entrance.
• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
• Comments View
  • There is parking at the front of the building on Bluett Street but its free for 2 hours or permit holders only as shown in photograph 5.

You are on Outside Play Area. Skip to the next section.

Outside Play Area

• There is an outside play area to the side and rear of the building.
• There is level access.
• The surface of the play area is soft rubber.

You are on Approach (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Main Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is tarmac.
  • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.
• Comments View
  • There is a gate on the approach to the building as shown in photograph 3.
  • There is a double gate and a single gate.
  • The width of the double gate is 380cm.
  • The double gate is heavy.
  • The double gate opens both ways.
  • The width of the single gate is 101cm.
  • The single gate is heavy.
  • The single gate opens both ways.
  • The is also a single gate at the rear of the building as shown in photograph 4.
  • The width of the single gate is 102cm.
  • The single gate is heavy.
  • The single gate opens away from you (push).

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Howard De Walden Children's Centre'.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 143cm (4ft 8in).
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 106cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 6 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
• Comments View
  • The height of the exit button is 143cm (shown in photograph 6).

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

Collapse all Expand all

• Reception View
  • The reception point is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • There is bench seating and single seats without armrests.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the ground floor.
• Circulation View
  • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

You are on Day Room (3G - Nursery Room). Skip to the next section.

Day Room (3G - Nursery Room)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • 3G - Nursery Room is located on the ground floor, to the left from the main entrance.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 45cm and 50cm.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet and vinyl.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The furniture in this room is normally swapped with higher tables and chairs in the evening for adults to use.

You are on Kitchen (3G - Nursery Room). Skip to the next section.

Kitchen (3G - Nursery Room)

• The kitchen is located at the rear of 3G - Nursery Room.
• There is step-free access to the kitchen.
• There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the door opening is 71cm.
• There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
• The height of the work surfaces are 91cm .
• There is not a dual height refreshment counter.
• There is not a work surface with a clear knee recess.
• There is not a height adjustable work surface.
• The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
• Tables are not permanently fixed.
• Chairs are not permanently fixed.
• Vending machines are not available.
• Takeaway cups are not available.
• Drinking straws are not available.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Room(s) (2G - Meeting Room). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (2G - Meeting Room)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • The room surveyed was 2G - Meeting Room.
  • 2G - Meeting Room is located on the ground floor, to the right from the main entrance.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • There is numerical signage for the room that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • This room has a television screen.
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Room(s) (1G - Nursery Play Room). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (1G - Nursery Play Room)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • The room surveyed was 1G - Nursey Play Room.
  • 1G - Nursey Play Room is located on the ground floor, to the right from the main entrance.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • There is numerical signage for the room that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are under 75cm for the room(s).
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 43cm and 76cm.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the right from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 227cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is not a toilet roll holder.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is not a soap dispenser.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 102cm (3ft 4in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

Collapse all Expand all

• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, turn right from the main entrance.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the female standard toilet.
  • There is step-free access into the baby change facilities.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 103cm (3ft 5in).

You are on Other Floors (Front). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Front)

• Stairs can be used to access other floors.
• The stairs are for public use.
• The stairs are located to the right from the main entrance.
• The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
• The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
• The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G and 1.
• There are 15+ steps between floors.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The steps have a handrail on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• There is a landing.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
• The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Collapse all Expand all

• Other Information View
  • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are staff office, kitchen and halls.

You are on Room(s) (First Floor Hall). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (First Floor Hall)

Collapse all Expand all

• Access View
  • The room surveyed was The Hall.
  • The Hall is located on the firsrt floor, turn right from the top of the stairs.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is wood.
  • There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Other Floors (Rear). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Rear)

• Stairs can be used to access other floors.
• The stairs are for public use.
• The stairs are located at the rear of the building.
• The stairs are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
• Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
• There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
• The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G and 1.
• There are 15+ steps between floors.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The steps have a handrail on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• There is a landing.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
• The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Collapse all Expand all

• Other Information View
  • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are staff office, kitchen and halls.