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Discover Children’s Story Centre

383-387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to Slippery Frog Hollow and the area around the Steam Ship on the ground floor.
    • The following areas have stepped access: areas near the Lollipopter and access to the play slide on the first floor.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow aisles.
    • The lower ground, ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located on the first floor.
    • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: Braille and large print.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the lower ground and first floors.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor.
    • The shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground, ground and first floors.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the ground floor at the rear of the venue.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the lower ground, ground and first floors.

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
    • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on Bridge Terrace at the rear of the venue.
    • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.

Entrance (Main)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the venue.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 95cm.
  • The width of the opening is 102cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 105cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located directly ahead as you enter.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 120cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 90cm.
  • The reception has mirrors and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • The seating is fixed.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to Slippery Frog Hollow and the area around the Steam Ship on the ground floor.
  • The following areas have stepped access: areas near the Lollipopter and access to the play slide on the first floor.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches and stools.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Shop (Bookshop)

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Seating available on this floor includes: armchairs.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The counter surveyed was at reception.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The payment counter has mirrors and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • The height of the payment counter is 120cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 90cm.
    • The card payment machine is portable.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Changing Places (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the ground floor, at the rear of venue.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 30m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 160cm (width) x 500cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 80cm.
    • There is a push button flush on top of the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 82cm from the floor.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 130cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a fixed height wash basin.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The facility has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located directly ahead and on the right after you enter the venue.
  • The distance from the entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and automatic doors.
  • The lower ground, ground, first and second floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 91cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 120cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right of reception.
  • There are double automatic doors to access the stairwell.
  • The lower ground, ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The café is on the first floor.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and designated seating.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located directly ahead after you enter the café.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has windows.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower ground floor.
    • The distance from the lift is 12m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 147cm (width) x 212cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 66cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 126cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 145cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Outdoor Spaces

  • The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment and gardens.
  • Outdoor areas consist of rubber tarmac, artificial grass, block paving and paving slabs.
  • There are footpaths in some areas.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the play areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the play areas, bypassed via the ramp.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Playground View
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, but is less than 150cm wide.
    • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
    • The following play experiences are available: sliding, climbing, viewing, sensory (visual, audible, or tactile) and social play.