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The Heron Academy

Heron Road, Herne Hill, London, SE24 0HZ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include classrooms, hydrotherapy pool, dining room, sports hall, independent living skills area and a library.
  • Comments View
    • The Michael Tippett School is a small secondary school for students aged between 11 and 19.
    • Students have a range of complex needs, including autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties and communication difficulties.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Loughborough Junction.
  • The nearest underground station is Brixton.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located in front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 300cm x 470cm (9ft 10in x 15ft 5in).
    • The nearest designated bay is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest designated bay is 28m (30yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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 car park surface is concrete.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Comments View
    • The surface under the parking bays is gravel bound within a plastic mesh.
    • There is some on-street parking in long bays on the street outside the venue.
    • Most pupils arrive by school bus.

Outside Access (Pedestrian Entrance Gate)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the vehicle entrance, on Heron Road.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).

Level Change (Pedestrian Entrance Gate)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the car park.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a third, identical set of automatic doors after the reception desk.

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 high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The room for teaching independent living skills includes a hob and sink on adjustable height worktops (photograph 3).
    • Some of the classrooms have ceiling track hoists covering all the entire room.

Outside Access (Playground Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the playground.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There are similar doors from the playground into each of the ground floor classrooms, and the main foyer area.

Other Floors (Right Hand Stairs)

  • 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 deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar staircase to the left after the main entrance.

Lift (Right Hand Side)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the right hand staircase.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does 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.

Lift (Left Hand Side)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located next to the left hand staircase.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 280cm (4ft 7in x 9ft 2in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does 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 medium.

Eating and Drinking (Dining Room)

  • The cafe is located on the ground floor, to the rear right of the building.
  • 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.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the dining room entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Comments View
    • There are no menus. Diners choose from the food on display.

Counter (Cafe Kiosk)

  • The counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the counter is low (76cm or below).
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The cafe kiosk is located in the foyer, opposite the main entrance.
    • The kiosk serves drinks and snacks.
    • It is partially run by students, with snacks made in the training kitchen.

Swimming Pool (Hydrotherapy)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is not a wet side chair available.
  • There is a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • The hoist is hydraulic.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 7 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is not a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • Comments View
    • There is one step up to reach the poolside where the steps into the pool are.
    • Three sides of the pool have a seat-height wall around.
    • There is also a seat built into the side of the pool.

Changing Places (Hydrotherapy)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located in the hydrotherapy pool suite.
    • The facility is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 320cm x 430cm (10ft 6in x 14ft 1in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 270cm (8ft 10in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the cubicle.
  • Comments View
    • The changing area is separated by curtains from the poolside area.
    • There are three changing benches.
    • The area can be subdivided by further curtains.

Accessible Shower (Hydrotherapy)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within three identical changing rooms, to the right of the pool area.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • Other facilities available include; dropdown rails.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a changing bench in each of the changing rooms.

Changing Places (Hygiene Room)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located to the left as you enter.
    • The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 330cm x 500cm (10ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 230cm (7ft 7in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
  • Comments View
    • The wheel-in shower which can be seen in this room is no longer in use.
    • There is another similar facility further along the ground floor corridor, and a third on the first floor (photograph 4).

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the left hand lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, in the centre of the building.
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 190cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 3in).
    • There is 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • 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 not available.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 48cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 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 walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of our visit (March 2016) it appeared that the grab rails or dropdown rail had not been refixed since the room had been retiled.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested 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 can be requested.
  • Comments View
    • Many staff have training in Makaton and using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).