Access Guide
Getting Here
- The venue is approximately 0.5 miles from the A20 Tonbridge Road via Oakwood Road and Bower Mount Road.
- There is limited site Blue Badge and standard parking available at the venue.
- There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is 0.4 miles away on Tonbridge Road, with direct links to Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Barming Heath and Pembury.
- For more information on Arriva Buses please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest Railway Station is Maidstone West.
- The nearest station is Maidstone West approximately 1 mile away, with direct links to Strood, Maidstone Barracks and Paddock Wood.
- 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 and large print.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact reception.
Parking
- The venue does have its own parking facilities.
- The car park is located at the front of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 245cm x 360cm (8ft x 11ft 10in).
- There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
- There is an additional car park for visitors.
- There are no parking charges for the car park.
- Parking is free for visitors of the venue.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
Entrance (Kent Register Office 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 'The Kent Register Office'.
- 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 109cm (3ft 7in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 129cm (4ft 3in).
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 138cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 99cm.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Entrance (Kent Adult Education Centre)
- This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building at the rear of the venue.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance sign says 'Kent Adult Education Centre'.
- 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 not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 127cm (4ft 2in).
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 99cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Reception (Kent Register Office)
- The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Kent Register Office 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.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
- 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.
Reception (Kent Adult Education Welcome Desk)
- The reception point is located directly ahead of the Kent Adult Education Centre entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Kent Adult Education Centre 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 low (76cm or lower).
- 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.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- At the time of the survey in October 2023, the systems had only just been installed and were not operational.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Reception (Kent Adult Education Centre First Floor)
- The reception point is located on the first floor on the right as you exit the lift.
- The reception point is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the lift.
- There is step-free access to the reception point, via lift.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no 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 low (76cm or lower).
- 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.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
- 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 majority of the building.
- There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to Classroom 6, Print Making, Staff Offices and ICT.
- 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 is/are 1 unmarked step(s){Dropdown} for access to the standard female toilets on the ground floor.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to standard toilets on the first floor.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
- 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 play background music in public areas.
- Music is played in ceremony rooms on the ground floor.
- There is a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing systems are in Classroom 2 and Skills on the first floor. At the time of the survey in October 2023, the systems had only just been installed and were not operational.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
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Comments
View
- There is a slight ramp with no handrails for access to Classroom 2 and Art Room 1 on the first floor. The ramp is 145cm wide.
Other Floors
- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located opposite the Kent Education Centre Welcome desk.
- The stairs are approximately 7m from the Kent Education Centre entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
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Comments
View
- The stairs are not in use by the general public.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located opposite the Kent Education Centre Welcome desk.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Kent Education Centre entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 125cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 1in).
- There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are low.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located behind the reception desk on the first floor.
- The lift was out of use at the time of the survey.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- 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 lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, along the corridor past reception. Turn right and the accessible toilet is on the left.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Kent Register Office entrance.
- There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- 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 255cm x 240cm (8ft 4in x 7ft 10in).
- 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 195cm (6ft 5in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by sanitary bin.
- 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 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 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 58cm.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
- 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
- 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).
- The height of the hand dryer is 96cm (3ft 2in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a medium 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.
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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 101cm (3ft 4in).
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor to the left of the Kent Education Centre Welcome desk.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Kent Education Centre entrance.
- There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial 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 86cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 220cm (5ft 9in 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 109cm (3ft 7in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by waste bin.
- 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).
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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 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 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 45cm.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- 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 have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 101cm.
- 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
- 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).
- The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (3ft 1in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a high 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.
Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, along the corridor to the left of the lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access to the accessible toilet, via lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 256cm x 210cm (8ft 5in x 6ft 11in).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by sanitary bin.
- 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
- 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 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 94cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
- The height of the hand dryer is 96cm (3ft 2in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a high 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.
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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 90cm (2ft 11in).
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor along the corridor past reception. Turn right and the toilet is on the left
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the Kent Register Office entrance.
- There is stepped access into the female toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
- There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat and a vertical rail on the right.
- 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 good.
- There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor along the corridor past reception. Turn right and the toilet is on the right
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the Kent Register Office entrance.
- There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
- There is pictorial 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 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 good.
- There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.
