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Howdon Children's Centre

11a Howdon Lane, Wallsend, NE28 0AL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a children's centre and nursery.

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.

Location

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

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 building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 350cm x 442cm (11ft 6in x 14ft 6in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 15m (16yd 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is 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 step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 99cm.
  • Comments View
    • The intercom is located between the 2 sets of doors.
    • There is a key fob for access to the building.
    • Parents with children attending the centre and nursery are issued with a key fob.
    • The key fob reader is at a height of 102cm.
    • There is a push button to open the second set of doors for exiting the building.
    • The push button is at a height of 110cm.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) 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 good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Inside Access

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

Chestnut and Oak Rooms

  • This room is located along the right corridor.
  • The room is 11m from the main entrance.
  • There is a moveable room divider which allows this room to be used as 1 large room or 2 smaller rooms.
  • At the time of the survey the divider was open.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be hard to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • There are chairs with armrests in the rooms.
  • The height of the desks is 68cm.
  • There are some height adjustable chairs.
  • The flooring surface is carpet and clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Hawthorn Room

  • This room is located along the right corridor of the building.
  • The room is 22m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be hard to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • There are sofas and an armchair in this room.
  • There are chairs without armrests and a desk in this room.
  • The height of the desk is 70cm.
  • There are toys available in this room.
  • This is a family room used for supervised contact.
  • The flooring is carpet and clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Comms Room

  • This room is located to the front right of building.
  • The room is 22m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • There is a panic alarm at a height of 105cm.
  • There are armchairs and a sofa available.
  • There is a table at a height of 60cm.
  • The flooring surface is carpet and clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.
  • There are 2 additional similar rooms located along this corridor.
  • This room is usually used for interviews.

Pine Room

  • This room is located at the left hand side of the foyer.
  • The room is 6m from main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be hard to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • There are desks in this room at a height of 66cm.
  • There are chairs with and without armrests in this room.
  • The chairs are height adjustable.
  • The flooring surface is carpet and clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Entrance (Cottage Garden Wing Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the left of foyer.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.

Kitchen

  • The kitchen is located along the front left corridor in the Cottage Garden Wing.
  • 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 single width.
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm.
  • 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 work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • There is a height adjustable work surface.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
  • There are chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests within the kitchen.
  • Tables are not permanently fixed.
  • Chairs are not permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 63cm (2ft 1in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 69cm (2ft 3in).
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Takeaway cups are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Honeysuckle Room

  • This room is located along the left hand corridor of the building, in the Cottage Garden Wing.
  • The room is 19m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single with a locked extension.
  • The door width is 76cm.
  • There are a variety of toys, desks and other play equipment in the room.
  • The height of the lowest desk is 40cm.
  • The height of the highest desk is 49cm.
  • The flooring surface is vinyl and carpet, and the floor is clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Entrance (Garden Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the Honeysuckle Room.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar entrance to the garden in each of the rooms in the Cottage Garden Wing and in the Daisy and Buttercup rooms.

Garden

  • The garden has a rubberised matting surface.
  • There are grassed areas of the garden.
  • The garden is split into age group areas, with gates and fences to separate the age group areas.

Tulip Room

  • This room is located along rear corridor of the Cottage Garden Wing.
  • The room is 36m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single with a locked extension leaf.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • This room is used as a health visitor's room.
  • There are desks at a height of 72cm.
  • There is a baby change at a height of 101cm.
  • There is a sink with twist/turn mixer taps.
  • The height of the sink is 87cm.
  • There is a child's sink with twist/turn mixer taps.
  • The height of the sink is 60cm.
  • There are seats without armrests.
  • The flooring surface is carpet and vinyl, and the floor is clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Sunflower Room

  • This room is located along the rear corridor of the Cottage Garden Wing.
  • The room is 46m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door opening width is 76cm.
  • This room is used as a playroom for children seeing the health visitors, and as a room for supervised contact.
  • There are desks at a height of 45cm.
  • There are a variety of toys.
  • There is a sink with twist/turn mixer taps.
  • The height of the sink is 87cm.
  • There is a child's sink with twist/turn mixer taps.
  • The height of the sink is 60cm.

Jasmine Room

  • This room is located to the rear right of the Cottage Garden Wing.
  • The room is 48m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • This is a sensory room.
  • There are a variety of sensory toys and equipment with lights, bubbles and wind.
  • There is a nursing chair.
  • This room can be booked by the general public for use.

Entrance (Summer Meadow Wing)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the foyer.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.

Daisy and Poppy Room

  • This room is located along the corridor ahead as you enter, through the Spring Meadow Wing.
  • The room is 35m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push), and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single with a locked extension leaf.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • There are cots and a variety of toys.
  • Some of the toys are sensory/tactile.
  • The flooring surface is carpet and vinyl, and the floor is clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Buttercup Room

  • This room is located at the end of the corridor ahead as you enter.
  • The room is 42m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens away from you (push), and may be difficult to open (has a door closer).
  • The door is single with a locked extension leaf.
  • The clear door width is 76cm.
  • There are tables and toys throughout the room.
  • There are children's chairs.
  • The flooring surface is vinyl and laminate, and the floor is clear of trip hazards.
  • The lighting in this room is good.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Foyer - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the front right of the foyer.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 195cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • 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 a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 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 good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 82cm (2ft 8in).

Toilet with Adaptations (Cottage Garden Wing - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located along the rear corridor of the Cottage Garden entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 194cm (7ft 10in x 6ft 4in).
    • 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 174cm (5ft 9in).
    • 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 a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 147cm (4ft 10in).
    • 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 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 good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Accessible Shower (Accessible Toilet Cottage Garden Wing)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the accessible toilet in the Cottage Garden Wing.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head.
  • Other facilities available include; a shower curtain.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Toilet with Adaptations (Summer Meadow Wing - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 37m (40yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located along corridor ahead as you enter the building, in the Summer Meadow Wing.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 198cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 6in).
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • 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 a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 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 good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 along the front right corridor of the building.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard female and male toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not 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 can be requested.
  • Home visits / services are available.