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Southmead Children’s Centre

Sherwood Drive, Whiston, Knowsley, Merseyside, L35 3XZ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a nursery, The Child Learning and Development Team, Family Voices, Stronger Families and Family First.

Location

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

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 07:30 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 07:30 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 07:30 - 18:00.
  • Friday 07:30 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front and side of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 3 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 245cm x 460cm (8ft x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 141cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face 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 width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • 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 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.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

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

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the venue.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • A code is required for the lift which is available from reception.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • 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 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 226cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is 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 not a/are not 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 both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 can 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 high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • 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.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 175cm (6ft 5in x 5ft 9in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is 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 not a/are not 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 both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the standard female toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located on the grass areas surrounding the building.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.