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Swanley Children's Centre

Northview, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7BT

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Access Guide

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Children's Centre

  • Services/facilities provided include; a nursery (pre-school), midwife visits, health visits and general parent and children groups.

Getting Here

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.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print on request and different languages.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

Parking (Staff and Blue Badge)

  • The venue has shared parking facilities.
  • Parking View
    • The car park is located to the right of the building.
    • 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) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 480cm.
    • There is not 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.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and concrete tiles.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 9m from the main entrance.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • On-street parking is also available.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is concrete tiles and tarmac.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails 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.
    • 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 not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • Comments View
    • There is a gate on the approach to the building.
    • The gate is single and has an opening width of 102cm.
    • The gate is heavy and opens away from you (push).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance sign says 'Swanley Children's Centre'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • A key code is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key code reader is 107cm.
    • The main 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 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left from the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) 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 high (110cm+) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the 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.
    • 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 vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • 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.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • 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.

Other Floors

  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located to the right from the main entrance.
  • The stairs are approximately 1m from the main entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
  • 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 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a second lower handrail.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • 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.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 88cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 147cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Waiting Room / Area (First Floor)

  • There is a waiting room / area.
  • There is level access into the waiting room / area.
  • Level access is by lift.
  • There is not a/are not door(s) into the waiting room / area.
  • The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
  • There is some flooring in the waiting room/area which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Seating in this area includes; sofas.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
  • There is a television.
  • Subtitles are available.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
  • Vending machines are not available.

Kitchen

  • The kitchen is located on the first floor, on the left of the corridor.
  • 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 82cm.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
  • There is a dual height refreshment counter.
  • The dual work surface heights are 84cm and 90cm.
  • There is a work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • There is not a height adjustable work surface.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There are chairs without armrests within the kitchen.
  • Tables are not permanently fixed.
  • Chairs are not permanently fixed.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Takeaway cups are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Room(s) (Medical Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Medical Room.
    • Medical Room is located on the first floor, on the left of the corridor.
    • There is not 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) 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 has a closer and maybe 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).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 69cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no 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.

Room(s) (Multipurpose Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Multipurpose Room.
    • Multipurpose Room is located on the first floor, on left of the corridor.
    • There is not 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) 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 has a closer and maybe 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).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is some 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 no 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.
    • There is a kitchen area within this room.
      The height of the kitchen top is 84cm.

Parent and Baby Room

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the first floor, on the right of the corridor.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 18m from the lift.
  • 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 no 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 53cm (1ft 9in).
  • 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 79cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, on the right of the corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • 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 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 86cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 196cm x 215cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by waste bins, locker and baby changing table.
    • 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 an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, pedal bin and general domestic waste 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 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 not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 96cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the first floor, on the left of the corridor.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the shared 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 a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 79cm.
    • 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.

Day Room (Creche)

  • Access View
    • Creche is located on the first floor, at the end of the corridor.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • 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 has a closer and maybe 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 games area.
    • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 35cm and 46cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (Children's)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right from the creche entrance.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the creche entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the shared 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 a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 60cm.
    • 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.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the children's standard toilet.
    • There is step-free access into the baby change facilities.
    • The baby change table is 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 85cm (2ft 9in).

Outside Play Area

  • The outside play area is accessed via the rear of the Creche Room.
  • The width of the door is 100cm.
  • The door is single.
  • The door is heavy and opens away from you (push).
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance.
  • The area is level and there are different surfaces such as soft rubber and grass.
  • There are several pieces of play equipment throughout the play area for the children to use.