You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include classrooms and lecture rooms, hall, drama studio, sports hall, dance studio, fitness suite, Heart Space Cafe and Coffee Bar.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include the ASCEND Unit.

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• Comments View
  • Many of the spaces such as the drama facilities and sports hall are available for community use outside of school hours.
  • This includes weekends.
  • The ASCEND Unit provides educational facilities for young people with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties away from the mainstream setting.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 06:30 - 18:00.
• Tuesday 06:30 - 18:00.
• Wednesday 06:30 - 18:00.
• Thursday 06:30 - 18:00.
• Friday 06:30 - 18:00.
• Saturday 08:00 - 16:00.
• Sunday 08:00 - 16:00.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is Purfleet / Chafford Hundred.

You are on Parking (Staff and Visitor). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Staff and Visitor)

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be 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 450cm x 500cm (14ft 9in x 16ft 5in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 46m (50yd 11in) 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 tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does 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.
  • The drop off point is located next to the main path, to the left of the car park.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
  • There is tactile paving on the dropped kerb.
• Comments View
  • There is a moderate slope on the path from the Blue Badge bays towards the main entrance.

You are on Parking (ASCEND Unit and Community Users). Skip to the next section.

Parking (ASCEND Unit and Community Users)

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park is located in front of the ASCEND Unit.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
  • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 450cm x 550cm (14ft 9in x 18ft 1in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the ASCEND Unit entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 34m (37yd 7in) from the ASCEND Unit 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 tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does 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.
  • The drop off point is located in front of the ASCEND Unit entrance.
  • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
  • There is tactile paving on the dropped kerb.
• Comments View
  • The school buses for the main school and the ASCEND Unit drop-off and pick up in this area.
  • The drop off point and Blue Badge bays are about 50m from one of the pupil entrances.
  • This is also the entrance used by community users for the sports facilities.
  • There are moderate slopes in the car park and towards the pupil and community entrance.

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The width of the door opening is 185cm (6ft 1in).

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• 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 185cm (6ft 1in).
• Comments View
  • The second doors are after reception.
  • They are operated by key fob or a receptionist.

You are on Outside Access (Pupil and Community Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Pupil and Community Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located to the right of the sports hall wing.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).

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• Comments View
  • There are similar doors for pupils to enter, ahead from the drop off in the main car park.
  • There are also level access doors on the other side of the building, from the paved courtyard into the cafe dining area.

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

Outside Access (Ascend Unit Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located in the car park.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).

You are on Ascend Unit. Skip to the next section.

Ascend Unit

• The ASCEND Unit is a self-contained building with classrooms, relaxation areas, a dining area, staff offices and pupil time-out rooms.
• Pupils collect meals from the main building refectory to eat within the unit.
• Within the classrooms there are adjustable height sinks and benches and flexible furniture layouts.
• There is a standard level access shower within a larger toilet and changing room in addition to the accessible and standard toilets.
• The unit has level access to a secure paved outdoor area and to a ball court.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The lighting levels are bright.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

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• Comments View
  • There are seats with armrests available in the foyer.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

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.

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• Comments View
  • The building is arranged in three connected blocks.
  • Each block has a lift, staircase and toilets.
  • Classrooms are arranged around learning plazas with computer areas and seating for small group work.
  • Within the science labs, art rooms and technology rooms there are adjustable height sinks and benches.
  • The food technology room also has a raised oven.
  • There are three lecture theatres where the rear half of the room has tiered seating.
  • The seating in the front half of the room can be set out as required.
  • The drama space also has pull-out tiered seating, with space at the front for wheelchair users.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • There are 4 staircases in the building.
  • Each block has a different colour scheme to help with orientation.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left as you enter.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
• The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 96cm (3ft 2in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 106cm x 140cm (3ft 6in 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 have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is bright.

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• Comments View
  • There are 3 lifts - one in each block.
  • The lift in block 3 is larger and has separate entrance and exit doors operating on some levels.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Heart Space). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Heart Space)

• 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.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 103cm (3ft 5in).
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

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• Comments View
  • The refectory is generally open at meal times within school hours.
  • There is a separate coffee bar, which is run by the sixth form.
  • The coffee bar may also be open at weekends.
  • In addition to the bench seating, there are standard dining tables and bar-height tables in the cafe area.
  • There is also level access to an outside paved area with picnic benches.

You are on Sports Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Sports Facilities

• The sports hall and dance studio are located next to the pupil entrance from the ASCEND Unit car park.
• There is a sports reception desk by this entrance.
• It is staffed when the facilities are being used out of school hours.
• The fitness suite and changing rooms are located on the same corridor.

You are on Fitness Suite. Skip to the next section.

Fitness Suite

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• Access to Fitness Suite View
  • The fitness suite is located to the right after the Heart Space cafe, or ahead from the sports area reception.
  • The fitness suite is 55m (60yd 5in) from the pupil and community entrance.
  • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
  • There are doors into the fitness suite.
  • The doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The opening is 170cm wide.
• IFI Accredited Fitness Suite View
  • No staff have received IFI Mark standard Disability Equality Training.
  • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
  • There is level access to all of the equipment.

You are on Standard Changing Room. Skip to the next section.

Standard Changing Room

• There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the pupil entrance.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the fitness suite.
• The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located off the corridor between the sports hall and fitness suite.
• There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

You are on Standard Shower. Skip to the next section.

Standard Shower

• Shower facilities are available.
• The shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the standard female and male changing rooms.
• There is level access to the shower facilities.

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• Comments View
  • The showers are in individual cubicles.

You are on Accessible Shower (Hygiene Room). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Shower (Hygiene Room)

• Accessible shower facilities are available.
• The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the accessible changing room.
• 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
• Other facilities available include; an accessible toilet with drop down rails and transfer space on both sides.
• There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

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• Comments View
  • This room is used by pupils who require assistance with personal care.
  • There is a similar shower in the smaller hygiene room on the first floor (photographs 2 and 3).

You are on Toilet with Adaptations. Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations

• There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.

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• 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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left after reception.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
  • The key is not a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
  • 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 is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 230cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 7in).
  • 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 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 disposal units.
  • There is a/are 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are 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 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).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • 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 poor.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
• Comments View
  • There are over 10 similar accessible toilets in the main building, in addition to the two larger facilities known as hygiene rooms.
  • There are at least 3 on each floor.
  • They are located next to each of the lifts and in other locations such as the learning support area for students with additional needs.
  • The accessible toilets are also used as staff toilets.
  • We did not view all the accessible toilets during our survey.
  • All the ones seen had the transfer space to the right.
  • Photograph 2 shows the similar accessible toilet within the separate ASCEND Unit.
  • This toilet is 5m to the right after the unit entrance.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

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• 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 in multiple locations around the building.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.