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New Beginnings Children's Centre

2 Cornwell Avenue, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 5HS

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Access Guide

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Children's Centre

  • Services/facilities provided include; the office base for the early help team, facilities for parent training sessions and small group work including a playroom/meeting room, parents' room and kitchen.
  • Comments View
    • Please note that this venue is mainly a staff base and also used for special interventions and training.
    • It is not used for standard drop-in or 'stay and play' sessions.

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • Staff do not receive disability awareness/equality training.
  • Staff do not receive deaf awareness training.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request and different languages on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own parking facilities.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is unrestricted on-street parking in all the surrounding roads.
    • Photographs 1 and 2 show Whitehill Lane, which is wider than Cornwell Avenue (3 and 4).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the building as you face it from Cornwell Avenue.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance sign says 'Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1-3 show the path up to the entrance from Cornwell Avenue.
    • The entrance and reception are then in a recess to the left off the path (shown in photographs 4 and 5).
    • Photograph 6 shows the path up the entrance from Whitehill Road, which is steep.
    • For child security, there is a button to release the lock to exit the building.
    • The button is 168cm high and is to the right of the door from the foyer.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located at the external window, opposite the main entrance.
    • 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 not staffed.
    • There is a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The intercom at the main entrance rings through to the reception office staff, who then open the sliding window at the reception point.
    • The reception waiting area is in the foyer after the main entrance.

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 vinyl.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly 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.

Room(s) (Parent Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the parent room.
    • The parent room is located ahead, at the far side of the foyer as you enter the building.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is vinyl.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • This room is used for informal meetings and training and also as a breakout space from the main meeting room.
    • From this room there is direct access to the playroom/meeting room and the parent kitchen.

Kitchen (Parent Kitchen)

  • The kitchen is located off the parent room.
  • There is step-free access to the kitchen.
  • There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
  • The height of the work surfaces are 91cm .
  • There is not a dual height refreshment counter.
  • There is not a work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Takeaway cups are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance to the room is also fitted with a child safety gate.
    • This is light but has to be lifted then pulled open.

Room(s) (Playroom)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the playroom, which is also used as a meeting room.
    • The playroom is located at the rear of the building, to the right of the foyer from the main entrance.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door may be difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a projector screen.
    • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is vinyl.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance to the room from the foyer is shown in photograph 1.
    • There is direct access from this room to the parent room and also the staff office area (shown in photograph 2).
    • The doors from this room connecting to the foyer and parent room have a second door handle on the inside at high level for child security (shown in photograph 3).
    • Photographs 4-7 show the room set out for a meeting.
    • This furniture can be re-positioned or removed for other uses.
    • The fire exit from this room is also used to give level access to a small enclosed outside play area.
    • The door out opens towards you, is heavy and is 84cm wide (shown in photographs 8-10).

Toilet with Adaptations (Entrance Foyer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the foyer as you enter.
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 220cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not 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 toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 70cm (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 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 88cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is also used by all male staff and visitors.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitors)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located ahead from main entrance, to the left of the entrance foyer.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the left of the entrance foyer, for use by children .
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s).
    • There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 59cm.
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The children's facility has a child-size toilet and is shown in photographs 5 and 6.

Parent and Baby Room

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located to the left of the entrance foyer.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 7m from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 55cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.