Did you know that there are 1.5 million disabled school children across the United Kingdom? While many educational institutions have taken the correct measures to cater to these students, a lot of premises are still unsuitable for those with physical impairments.

Failure to make reasonable adjustments to your buildings not only alienates disabled pupils; it also means you are not operating in line with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. You may then be susceptible to claims of discrimination from parents or carers, potentially leading to court action and a negative reputation.

While there are many inclusivity considerations for schools to make, we believe that improving the accessibility of your premises sets a strong foundation to build on. Our guide looks at what you can update and how to fund your project.

Why does inclusivity matter in educational building design?

Inclusivity matters because it can ensure all students have a similar experience and can access all elements of the school safely. From a psychological standpoint, it also promotes a sense of belonging, making disabled children feel truly welcome in the space while boosting their self-esteem.

How can I make my school buildings more inclusive?

Entrances and exits

Ensure all entrances and exits have step-free access, are well-lit and easy to navigate for people with wheelchairs or walking aids. Automatic doors and ramps are some of the most commonly used solutions in these spaces.

Lifts

Install lifts that are large enough for wheelchairs and fitted with controls at accessible heights, with audio announcements and tactile buttons. These should be located in central, easy-to-find locations to allow all students to move freely between floors.

Toilets and changing rooms

Provide accessible toilets and changing rooms with grab rails and emergency pull cords. You should ensure there is enough space for both a wheelchair and a carer if needed.

Classroom layouts

When constructing new classrooms, ensure they are wide and feature clear pathways to accommodate mobility aids. Try to avoid cluttered designs and ensure all students can see the teacher and the learning boards.

Signage

Use large, high-contrast signs with clear symbols and simple language for those with visual or cognitive impairments. Consistent signage throughout an educational building can promote independence and reduce confusion.

Inclusive school construction funding options

We believe there are three main ways to fund your inclusive school design upgrades: the School Condition Allocation (SCA), the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) and your standard yearly budget.

We understand that school finances across the nation are stretched currently, which makes successful funding applications critical. Our teams can help with your CIF bids to increase the likelihood of approval.

Please read more about how we support funding applications, or get in touch if you have any questions about this service.

The process of making school buildings more accessible

Consultation and assessment

If you have concerns about your estate’s infrastructure, contact our team. We will take time to understand your requirements and recommend next steps for your project. We can then send one of our RICS-certified surveyors to your site to assess its suitability and the feasibility of the project.

Create a plan

Our architecture and building consultancy teams will begin the planning stage, where they will figure out the best methods to improve the accessibility of your school building. We will work out the total cost and potential completion date at this time.

Apply for funding

If you do not have the budget to pay for the works, we can help you secure government funding instead. Our bids team have extensive experience and a proven track record in this area, so you can trust us to give your applications the best chance of approval.

Construction and testing

Once capital is in place, we can begin the building work. We handle the project management side and find trusted construction partners to carry out the renovations. Once completed, thorough tests will be conducted to ensure the new features are safe and fit for purpose.

Design inclusive learning environments with Eddisons Education

Whether you need assistance with the surveying, planning, funding or building, we are here to make your estate more inclusive. Call us today on 0808 156 2742 or complete the form below to get started.