School Ethos.
To provide the best possible education for the children in our care, within a happy, caring, Christian environment where all may grow in knowledge, self-confidence and respect for others. We want this small school to be a learning community for everyone.
Introduction
The governors of Bildeston Primary and Whatfield CEVC Primary Schools are committed to improving access to education and the educational standards achieved by pupils who are disabled. This plan seeks to address the statutory requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and to support our ethos by continuing to improve all aspects of the physical environment of the school site and other resources so that all disabled pupils can take full advantage of the education and associated opportunities provided by the School.
This plan identifies the Governors’ aims in fulfilling this commitment and the action points needed to achieve these aims.
Definition (Equality Act 2010)
“A person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day to day activities”
The term “disabled” applies to students, staff, Governors, parents and visitors.
Whatfield School acts to:
Whatfield CEVC P School site - Current Situation
Whatfield School is a very small rural primary school, serving the local and surrounding villages. Being single storey, Whatfield CEVCP School does have reasonable access for all adults and children. It is accessible for wheelchairs. In addition it has toilet facilities suitable for disabled persons who need to use a wheelchair. It does not have a sound field system or shower facilities. The village hall, which is rented for school use, is also accessible, and has a disabled toilet as well as a hearing loop in place. Presently all pupils, disabled or not, take part in all the activities of the school, and the school has a strong equalities ethos.
Aims
Our school’s accessibility plan aims to:
• Increase the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the curriculum
• Improve the physical environment of schools to enable disabled pupils to take better advantage of education, benefits, facilities and services provided
• Improve the availability of accessible information to disabled pupils.
We recognise the need to provide adequate resources for implementing plans and will regularly review them. Priorities in this plan may change to accommodate the changing needs of individuals. This plan has been drawn up after consultation with governors, as well as discussions with disabled visitors, staff and parents of disabled children.
Links with Other Agencies
Recent school developments
Associated Documents
Building and School Development Plans, Equality policy, SEND policy.
Date of Review
March 2022