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The Parkwood Family Hub

Furfield Close, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9JR

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Access Guide

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Children's Centre

  • Services/facilities provided include; local community centre offering groups sessions for parents and children, services for children with special needs and disabilities.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • 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 an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located in the grounds surrounding the centre.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

Getting Here

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own parking facilities.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The intercom is located at the second door.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located opposite the entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) 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 varied.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • 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 and vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There are sofas only in the waiting area.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

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.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • 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 the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • 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.

Room(s) (Room 1 Medical Room)

  • The room surveyed was Room 1.
  • Room 1 is located on the right as you enter from the main entrance.
  • Access View
    • There is another room the same to the left of the room surveyed of similar size.
    • 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 not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • 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).
    • 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 72cm.
    • 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 carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • This room is often used by the visiting midwife.

Room(s) (Room 3)

  • The room surveyed was Room 3.
  • Room 3 is located at the end of the corridor to the left.
  • Access View
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is not available 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 good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • 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).
    • There is not 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.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet and vinyl.
    • 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 good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a nursery/pre-school at the end of the corridor leading from reception which could not be surveyed as nursery/pre-school was in session and there was no permission to enter at the time of the survey (September 2018).
    • Room 1 can be divided into two by a removable partition.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite reception on the left.
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 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 heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 270cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 100cm from floor level.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by two waste bins.
    • 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 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 pedal bin and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 120cm from the floor.
  • 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 backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • 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 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Parent and Baby Room (Room 3)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located to the left as you enter.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 20m 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 72cm.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The standard toilets in the parent and baby room are for children only.