Information for schools

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability Act 2001 (www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2001/20010010.htm) introduced a new duty on local authorities and schools to ensure they do not treat children with a disability less favourably. Reasonable adjustments must be made to see that they are not put at a disadvantage.

Schools are required to produce Access Plans showing how, over a period of time, they intend to increase access to school premises and to the curriculum. This includes making changes to school buildings, such as installing ramps, providing aids, like ICT equipment and making written material, such as worksheets, more accessible.

Medway Council is required to produce an Access Strategy covering a three year period, setting out how it plans to increase the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the school curriculum and improve both the physical environment of schools and the delivery of information.

Medway Council has supported schools by providing accessibility training.

Further information is available from the Equality and Human Rights Commission: (http://edit.equalityhumanrights.com/en/forbusinessesandorganisation/educationandtrainingproviders/Pages/Providingaccesstoeffectiveeducation1.aspx).

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