Access Guide
Children's Centre
- Services/facilities provided include; a nursery (pre-school), midwife visits, health visits and general parent and children groups.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Located on Northview next to Kent County Council Social Services. Junction 3 of the M25 is 1.8 miles away via London Road (B2173), High Street (B258), Bartholomew Way, Hilda May Ave and Northview.
- The venue has its own car park for staff and Blue Badge holder. There is also free parking available on the surrounding streets.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is on Northview, approximately 92ft from the venue. The service that operates from this stop is the 233.
- For more information on Clarke Coaches please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Swanley.
- Swanley Station is approximately 0.8 miles from the venue. There are direct train services to London Victoria, London Blackfriars, Ashford International (via Maidstone East), Sevenoaks, Dover Priory and Canterbury West.
- For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on National Rail 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.
- 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.
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Parking
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- 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.
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Paying
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- There are no parking charges for the car park.
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Access from the Car Park
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- 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.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
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Comments
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- On-street parking is also available.
Approach (Main Entrance)
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is concrete tiles and tarmac.
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Ramp/Slope
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- 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).
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Step(s)
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- 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.
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Comments
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- 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)
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Entrance
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- 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
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Reception
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- 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.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
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Circulation
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- 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)
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Access
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- 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).
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Room Details
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- 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)
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Access
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- 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).
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Room Details
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- 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.
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Location and Access
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- 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.
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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 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).
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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 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- 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.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- 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)
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Access
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- 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).
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Room Details
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- 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.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- 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.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- 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.
