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Ormiston Park Academy

Belhus Park Lane, Aveley, Essex, RM15 4RU

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Access Guide

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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.
  • 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.

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.

Location

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

Parking (Staff and Visitor)

  • 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 of the venue.
    • 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 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.

Parking (ASCEND Unit and Community Users)

  • 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 ASCEND Unit.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot 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.

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).
  • 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.

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).
  • 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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

Other Floors

  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / 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.
  • 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.

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.

Fitness Suite

  • 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.

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).

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.

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.
  • 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).

Accessible Toilet

  • 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 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.

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 member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.