Access Guide
Getting Here
- The venue is approximately 320 meters from the A249 Detling Hill via Pilgrims Way.
- There is no parking available at the venue. There is limited on street standard parking on Pilgrims Way.
- There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is 250 meters away on Pilgrims Way, with direct links to Maidstone and Bearsted.
- For more information on Stagecoach buses please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest Railway Station is Bearsted.
- The nearest station is Bearsted, approximately 2.1 miles away, with direct links to London Victoria, Bromley South, Maidstone East and Ashford International.
- For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on National Rail Enquiries please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton, different languages on request and audio on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists, shower chairs, hoist slings and adjustable beds.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own parking facilities.
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Comments
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- There is limited standard on street parking on Pilgrims Way.
Entrance
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance sign says 'Bluebells Short Breaks Unit'.
- There is step-free 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 a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The push pad or push button is 115cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 145cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
Reception
- The reception point is located on the left as you enter the venue.
- The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and laminate.
- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
Getting Around
- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the majority of the venue.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located directly ahead as you enter the venue.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
- A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate.
- There is a high colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 85cm x 145cm (2ft 9in x 4ft 9in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- 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.
Outdoor Facilities
- The following outdoor facilities are available: a playground with play equipment.
- The routes to the outdoor facilities for the students are at least 150cm wide.
- Routes to the outdoor facilities are even and well maintained.
- Visitors to the outside facilities exit via external doors in the lounge or kitchen.
- Surfaces for the facilities include: concrete or tarmac, grass and rubber tarmac.
- There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
- The play equipment is in easy reach for seated and standing users, and users of different heights.
- The following play experiences are available: swinging, viewing, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile) and social play.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The facility is located directly ahead as you enter the venue.
- The facility is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
- There is level access to the facility, via lift.
- The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is a low colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- You do not need a key for the facility.
- 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 320cm x 340cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is not a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on the right.
- There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- There are no vertical grab rails for the toilet.
- There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall.
- There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a push button flush.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a low colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
- There is not an emergency alarm for the toilet.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
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Shower Details
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- There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The adjustable shower head can be placed between 120cm and 140cm when mounted.
- A shower chair is available.
- The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
- There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
- There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
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Other Facilities
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- A privacy screen is not available.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 117cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 144cm.
- 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 pedal bin disposal units.
- There is a shelf next to the toilet.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 30cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
- There is a coat hook.
- The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- This facility is primarily for children staying at the unit.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located along the corridor to the right of the reception desk.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 181cm x 225cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has a non-slip floor.
- 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).
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is not an emergency alarm.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a shelf next to the toilet.
- The shelf is at a height of 52cm.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
- 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).
- 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 wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 108cm.
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a low colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the toilet seat and the pan.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
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Comments
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- Visitors may use the accessible toilet.
