Access Guide
Summary
-
Building
View
- Services / Facilities within the building include; The Directions Independent Living Zone, a Furniture Ready Hub, Public Services, The Learning Support and Wellbeing Hub, Health and Social Care, Childcare, a Quiet Zone and the Education Health Hub.
- Future Ready Hub link (new tab) - click here.
-
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
View
- There is a/are Changing Places toilet(s) located on the first floor in the left corridor.
- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the first floor in the left corridor, on the second floor in the right corridor and on the third floor in the right corridor.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor in the left corridor, on the second floor in the right corridor and on the third floor in the right corridor.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor in the left corridor, on the second floor in the right corridor and on the third floor in the right corridor.
Opening Times
- Monday 08:00 - 21:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 21:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 21:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 21:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Getting Here
-
By Road
View
- Sunderland College - Bede Campus is located on the A690 Durham Road which gives direct access to the A1(M).
- There is onsite Blue Badge and standard parking available.
- For more information on Google Maps please click here (opens new tab).
-
By Bus
View
- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- Sunderland College - Bede Campus is served by buses 3, 4, 23, 35 Cherry, 451, ED4, X1, x20 - X Lines, 20 Prince Bishops and 20A Prince Bishops, with direct links to Sunderland and the surrounding areas.
- For more information on Bus times. please click here (opens new tab).
-
By Train
View
- The nearest Railway Station is Sunderland.
- Sunderland station is 2.7 miles away to the north east and has direct links to Newcastle and the East Coast main line.
- For more information on train times please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Sunderland train station please click here (opens new tab).
-
By Metro
View
- The nearest Metro station is Sunderland.
- The nearest Metro Station is 2.7 miles away to the north east at Sunderland train station.
- For more information please click here (opens new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on SEN Local offer please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Student Support please click here (opens new tab).
- There is a disability equality training policy for all staff.
- Documents are available in Braille and large print on request.
Staff are Typetalk aware.
There is a member of staff trained to BSL level 3. - Dog toileting is available on the many grass areas within the campus.
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
-
Site/Campus Car Parks
View
- The name of the car park is Bede Campus Car Park.
- The car park is located within the Bede Campus, to the right of the main buildings.
-
Public Car Parks
View
- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
-
Drop Off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Site/Campus Car Park (Bede Campus Site/Campus Car Park)
-
Car Park
View
- The car park is located at the rear right of the Campus.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Bede and Barnes Buildings.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 227cm x 475cm (7ft 5in x 15ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
-
Charges and Restrictions
View
- This car park can be used by staff, students, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
-
Drop Off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
-
Car Park Access
View
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the car park from the Bede and Barnes Buildings.
- This car park is not clearly signposted from the Bede and Barnes Buildings.
- The nearest designated bay is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the Bede Building main entrance.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building in the main square.
- This entrance gives access to floor 1.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Headways Building'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
- The entry push pad or push button is 112cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The width of the door opening is 97cm.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
-
Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
Outside Access (Main Courtyard - Left)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located in the main courtyard to the left of the building.
- This entrance gives access to the rear right staircase.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Headways Building'.
- There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 70cm.
- 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 the main courtyard, in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
-
Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located just beyond the entrance.
- There is/are 7 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
- The depth 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 of the step(s).
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
-
Comments
View
- The stairs just beyond this entrance are part of the rear left staircase.
- The stairs mentioned above lead down to floor 1.
- There are also 10 similar steps with faded markings if you wish to go upwards to floor 2.
- The stairs just beyond this entrance are part of the rear left staircase.
Outside Access (Main Courtyard - Right)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located in the main courtyard, to the right.
- This entrance gives access to floor 1.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
- The entry push pad or push button is 78cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The width of the door opening is 91cm.
- 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 and beyond the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
-
Step(s)
View
- The ramp detailed above is in front of the door.
There is a second slight ramp without handrails, just beyond the entrance as shown in the photographs.
The second ramp is 122cm wide.
- The ramp detailed above is in front of the door.
Getting Around
-
Access
View
- There is step-free access throughout the building .
-
Circulation
View
- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet, vinyl and concrete.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
-
Signage
View
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
-
Safe Place(s)
View
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
-
Audio
View
- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
- There is a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The portable hearing loop is available from a member of staff and can be used in most areas of the building.
- The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 15/07/2024.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Left of Front Corridor)
-
Ramp / Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope located at the end of the front corridor, to the left on floor 1.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the left corridor on floor 1.
- 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 113cm (3ft 8in).
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
-
Step(s)
View
- There is a/are step(s) located to the left of the ramp (going up).
- The step(s) is/are used to access the left corridor.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
- 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.
Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Rear of Left Corridor)
-
Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1
View
- There is a ramp/slope located at the end of the left corridor on floor 1.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the rear corridor of floor 1.
- 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
Other Floors (Front Right Staircase)
-
Stairs
View
- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located at the end of the front corridor, to the right.
- The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by the stairs are floors 1, 2, and 3.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 not 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 provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
-
Other Information
View
- There are similar staircases in all four corners of the building.
Lift
- The lift is located at the right hand side of the rear corridor.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are floors 1, 2 and 3.
- The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 118cm x 140cm (3ft 10in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
- The lift controls are marked floor 0, 1 and 2.
0 is for floor 1 within the building, 1 is for floor 2 and 2 is for floor 3.
Changing Places (Floor 1)
-
Location and Access
View
- The facility is located on floor 1 at the beginning of the left corridor.
- The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
- There is level access into the facility.
- The facility surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- You do need a key for the facility.
- The key is not a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 411cm x 300cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
-
Toilet Details
View
- The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 295cm (9ft 8in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a spatula flush.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 73cm.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
-
Changing Bench and Hoist Details
View
- The facility changing bench is free standing.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 182cm (5ft 12in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
-
Shower Details
View
- There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
- The shower head is hand held.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 53cm (1ft 9in).
- Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
- The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is high.
- There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
- The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is high.
-
Other Facilities
View
- A privacy screen is not available.
- The type of wash basin is fixed.
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- 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.
- The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 120cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
- There is not a coat hook.
- There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Floor 1 - Front of Left Corridor - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
-
Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located at the beginning of the left corridor, on the right.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
-
Toilet Features
View
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 141cm x 204cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 8in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- 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).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
-
Additional Fixtures
View
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 104cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 99cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
Toilet with Adaptations (Floor 2 - Right Corridor - Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
-
Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor in the right corridor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
-
Toilet Features
View
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 183cm x 194cm (6ft x 6ft 4in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 142cm from floor level.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a push button flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- 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.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is not an emergency alarm.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 118cm from the floor.
-
Additional Fixtures
View
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 53cm (1ft 9in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 109cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 132cm (4ft 4in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
Standard Toilet(s) (Floor 1 - Left Corridor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Toilet Facilities
View
- The female and male toilets are located on floor 1 in the left corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m from the main entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.