Our plan serves a crucial purpose: it ensures that all pupils, including those with additional needs or disabilities, can access education on an equal basis. It meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 ensuring all staff and visitors have reasonable adjustments made as required.
The accessibility plan supports the Rights Respecting principles adopted by Lady Margaret Primary School and is particularly relevant to the following articles:
Article 2 – Without discrimination
The Convention applies to every child whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say, no matter what type of family they come from.
Article 3 – Best interests of the child
The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all actions concerning children.
Article 28 – Right to education
Every child has the right to an education. Primary education must be free. Secondary education must be available to every child. Discipline in schools must respect children’s human dignity. Wealthy countries must help poorer countries achieve this.
Article 29 – Goals of education
Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Article 31 – Leisure, play and culture
Every child has the right to relax, play and join in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.
| Focus consideration for potential disability/ equality issue limiting accessibility | Situation at present | Rationale | Next Steps | Timescale | People involved | Monitoring |
| Building & Environment | The buildings continue to comply with Disability Discrimination Act regulations. | The building should be accessible to all. | Continue to improve clarity of our visual signage | Ongoing | Executive Head Teacher (EHT) Headteacher (HT) Head of Business (HoB) Facilities Manager (FM) | Governors SENDCo Head of Business |
| Specific resources available to meet individual needs of pupils with mobility issues Wheelchair access – ramps in several parts of school to enable access. Wide doorways at ramp access, access to disabled parking bay for drop off and pick up for pupils and/or parents with mobility needs. Specialist equipment provided by EHCP funding as appropriate. CPD for SEN LSAs and class teachers based around current guidance and best practice Classrooms allocated on the ground floor as appropriate. | Pupils/ staff /parents/visitors with mobility issues are able to access the school and its grounds. | If external funding was made available, install a lift. | Ongoing | EHT/ HoS/HoB/SENDCo /F | Governors/SENDCo/ Head of Business | |
| Specific resources available to meet individual needs of pupils with visual impairment. Clutter free corridors and access points. Clear signage. Specialist equipment provided by EHCP funding as appropriate such as accessible reading materials. CPD for SEN LSAs and class teachers based around current guidance and best practice | The school is accessible to Pupils / staff / parents / visitors with visual impairments | Introduce some key materials in braille should the need arise. | Ongoing | EHT HT HoB SENDCo FM Visual impairment lead for Ealing | Governors SENDCo Head of Business | |
| Specific resources available to meet individual needs of pupils with hearing impairment. Quiet working environment. Seating position conducive to hearing. Resource rooms have carpets to minimise background noise. Specialist equipment provided by EHCP funding as appropriate. CPD for SEN LSAs and class teachers based around current guidance and best practice MAKATON is in use as needed. | The school is accessible to pupils with hearing impairments | Installation of hearing loops subject to funding Staff training around British Sign Language | Ongoing | SENDCo/HoB/FM | Link Governor visits/ SENDCo | |
| Specific resources available to meet individual needs of pupils with social communication/sensory needs. Kaleidoscope room – visual timetables, targeted resources Quiet purposeful environment Specialist equipment provided by EHCP funding as appropriate. CPD for SEN LSAs and class teachers based around current guidance and best practice | School accessible to pupils with social communication/sensory needs. | Further staff training on specific issues using external specialists | Ongoing | SENDCo HoS SEN Team HoB | Link governor for SEND/EHT | |
| Clear fire procedures and personal evacuation plans for pupils/staff are put in place as appropriate. Refuge areas in place on the first floor Evacuation chair available on the first floor | Pupils / staff / parents / visitors are able to evacuate the school swiftly in an emergency | Additional fire wardens to be trained to ensure adequate cover in the event of an emergency evacuation. Refresher training for evacuation chair use to enable prompt evacuation in the event on an emergency | Ongoing | HoB FM SENDCo Fire Wardens | Governors Head of Business | |
| Limited access to the first floor for pupils / staff / parents / visitors with mobility issues as there isn’t a lift to the first floor | Classrooms are allocated on the ground floor for children with mobility issues. Assemblies take place in the lower hall. | Subject to external funding install lift or stair lift | Ongoing | EHT HoS HoB (FM) | Governors Head of Business | |
| Behaviour Management | Behaviour and discipline policies and procedures reflect commitment to reducing suspension; they are applied consistently across different racial groups; significant differences in suspension rates between social or ethnic groups are identified, and appropriate action taken to reduce these differences; there are good procedures for re-integration of pupils (no sense of stigma) and for raising standards of discipline for all groups; racist bullying is effectively tackled and incidents recorded and reported to governors. Robust reintegration plans to reduce the risk of future suspensions or permanent exclusion. Appointment of a race equality lead to identify any issues from the tracking | Behaviour management tracking systems result in us been able to more effectively tracked To identify any potential prejudice or bias through tracking. To support children to remain in school and their integration back into school following a suspension. | Review of behaviour policies and procedures annually | Ongoing | HoS Deputy Head of School (DHoS) Assistant Head Teachers (AHT) Primary behaviour team referral if needed | Governors through termly report |
| Teaching and Learning | Teaching is inclusive and supportive of those pupils with additional language and literacy and learning needs, those who are under confident and those who are the highest attaining. | This will ensure effective tracking and communication between small group intervention and whole class activities. A robust approach to supporting children with mental health issues has been introduced and is having a significant impact on the well- being of these pupils language / communication needs friendly classroom checklists are included in staff guidance and are implemented | Ongoing | All teaching staff | SLT through overall monitoring and data review Engagement in the NO Learner Left Behind project | |
| The school has appointed a mental health lead and they have completed training The school continues to work with the School’s Counselling service The PHSE policy and curriculum has been reviewed to reflect the needs of pupils. | A robust approach to supporting children with mental health issues has been introduced and is having a significant impact on the well- being of these pupils Language / communication needs friendly classroom checklists are included in staff guidance and are implemented | Mental health lead | Governors through termly report | |||
| The school has appointed trained LSAs to support children with diabetes requiring supervised provision of insulin, use of Epipen and Buccolam for seizures if required. Medical bags, including health care plans and medication, are with the classes at all times | To ensure pupils with specific medical needs are not discriminated against or have reduced access to the curriculum. | Annual update of health care plans | SENCO Medical lead Trained LSAs | SLT through overall monitoring and use of Medical Tracker | ||
| Curriculum | We endeavour to avoid choosing texts or presenting scenarios which discriminate, condone or portray stereotypes. We follow the PSHE and RHE schemes of work, particularly the work on relationships and families. We challenge stereotypes across the curriculum and encourage pupils to be open minded in their attitudes to disability Use of United Nations convention of the rights of the child (Right Respecting – Gold) to underpin all aspects of school life. The school learning values focusing on the learning of every child and we align our work with British Values. Curriculum content contributes to an appreciation of cultural diversity and challenges prejudice, bias and stereotype regardless of proportion of minority ethnic pupils Mainstream curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to learn about and become more involved in the life of their communities Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development takes into account different faiths and backgrounds of pupils Pupils with additional needs are referred to speech and language, occupational and physiotherapists if required and targets and additional support are provided in line with advice. Additional support is also available from the behaviour support team and the school Educational Psychologist. Reasonable adjustments are made to the curriculum to ensure all pupils can achieve to their maximum potential. | Ensure that all children are given access through intervention by both school staff and outside agencies. Use of laptops, tablets, and relevant software to assist with the development of skills. Ensure that reasonable adjustments are made for pupils who present challenging behaviour e.g. personalised learning, adjusted groupings and buddies. Curriculum overview maps allow for better planning coverage across all areas and maximising opportunities for learning about cultural diversity. We have worked with an external advisor regarding the decolonisation of the curriculum. School trips include local visits (Gurdwara, library, swimming pool) as well as trips further afield We have strong links with our high schools. Visits into school have included the fire and police services. School to school activities take place such as sporting events with local schools. Knowledge about a wide range of different faiths are taught through RE. Parents have been given the opportunity to view SRE materials and opt out if they feel it is not suitable for their child due to personal beliefs / morals. Interfaith activities and religious assemblies allows pupils to celebrate all the faiths found within the school and community. Occasional days are set in line with key religious events | Ongoing with annual review | Teachers, LSAs and TAs Input from outside agencies e.g. SALT, OT, EP etc. | HoS SENDCO at reviews | |
| Achievement of pupils | Continue to promote raising attainment and progress in all year groups and for all groups of pupils. Continue to work with staff to ensure they do not limit pupils by making assumptions about their ability to learn. Assessment arrangements enable all pupils to attain at the highest level and do not put any pupils at disadvantage; target setting, grouping and resource allocation. Support for pupils takes the form of additional language and literacy support to raise pupils’ standards and achievement as well as pastoral support in the form of for instance positive role models, peer mentors / mentors/counsellors. All pupils are provided opportunities to work in small groups or with additional adults if their needs require this. | Continue to use gap analysis and other assessments to inform planning. Continue to provide additional support/ intervention and monitor progress. Introduction of passports for pupils falling in vulnerable groups. Close working relationships with parents and carers. Extra time will be applied for KS2 exams for pupils who need it (SEN). Scribes and 1:1 readers will also be provider for maths and SPaG tests. SEN pupils are assessed against their specific targets to ensure they make progress. Teachers are encouraged to make sure practical assessment activities are taking place and high quality training has been provided. We have a range of language and literacy support strategies Counselling referrals to external help. | Half termly | Teachers LSAs HLTAs | Pupil progress meetings HoS DHoS SENCo AHT | |
| Sports | We promote inclusion. All pupils are given an equal opportunity to participate in sports. We offer differentiated levels of activities and support if appropriate including use of aids e.g. ear defenders for dance or chairs for mobility issues. Access to SEN competitive sports events through borough. The school has appointed a lead practitioner for PE/Healthy lifestyles and outdoor play and learning and HLTA for outdoor play and learning | Continue to offer sports to all pupils. Continue to monitor attendance. Uses of sports premium and pupil premium to enable all children have a wide access to a range of sports and activities. Children entitled to pupil premium funding are offered subsidised places at afterschool clubs to ensure fair access. To further develop Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) across the school | Ongoing | Teachers LSAs TAs Let’s Leap (PPA, extracurricular clubs) Lead Practitioner (LP) for PE OPAL HLTA | List of pupil participants Annual report to governors on the use of PE grant and pupil premium funding. | |
| After school & lunchtime clubs | We promote inclusion. All pupils are given an equal opportunity to participate in after school and lunch time clubs. | Continue to offer after school & lunchtime clubs to all pupils. Promotion of lunch time talk opportunities with counselling service Continue to monitor attendance. Work closely with all outside providers to ensure fair access to the clubs. | Ongoing | Teachers, LSAs and TAs | HoS / DHoS/HoB | |
| Staffing – Recruitment | All positions advertised are open to any applicant. Applications are judged strictly on merits according to the LBE recruitment guidance. Candidates’ applications and their interviews are scored against relevant criteria. HR advice and participation in selection and appointment. | Ensure that all applications are judged on merit | Ongoing | Governors EHT HoS HoB | Governors EHT | |
| Staffing – Pay | All employees are paid in line with nationally agreed pay scales, pending government review and a rigorous performance management system allows for professional development and progression | Ensure that all staff are paid on the correct scale and additional payments are clearly linked to clear responsibilities | Ongoing | EHT HoB | Governors – Pay Committee | |
| Use of supply staff | We only use supply agencies as a last resort and use non-class based teachers, HLTAs and Cover Supervisors to cover to ensure continuity for our pupils. However when we have cause to use agencies we use those which supply suitably qualified teachers. | Ensure appropriate supply cover is obtained which promotes continuity and progression in pupil learning. Ensure all new supply staff have access to the induction and safeguarding procedures | Ongoing | EHT HoS HoB | HoS DHoS monitor performance | |
| Students including work experience | Placements are encouraged for all students / trainees | Ensure that all students receive appropriate support and that trainees promote continuity and progression in pupil learning Use of induction and safeguarding procedures | Ongoing | HoS | EHT | |
| Outside agencies | All staff be they permanent or agency are equally welcome in our school | Ensure that all pupils have access to appropriate support | Ongoing | EHT HoS SENCO DHoS Teachers Admin staff | HoS SENCo DHoS monitor performance | |
| Governors | Ensure that we have a Governing Body that represents the local community and that understands the core learning values that underlie all aspects of school life | Ensure good quality governance, and that Governors hold the school to account and work in close partnership with the leadership team | Ongoing | EHT Chair of Governors | Governor annual self review and development | |
| Policies | School policies are regularly reviewed. We adopt LBE policies and procedures related to employment | Ensure that all policies are considered and meet any statutory duty or guidance Use of a written timetable to review policies on rolling programme taking account of DfE guidance regarding review cycles | Ongoing | Governors EHT HoS HoB SLT and clerk to the Governing Body | Governor policy reviews | |
| School Improvement Plan | Issues related to disability are included where they are relevant We ensure the priorities meet the needs of our community ensuring equality of opportunity | Ensure the plan refers to equality objectives as appropriate | Ongoing | Governors EHT HT SENCo | Governors | |
| Contact with parents | The building is fully accessible for parents and easy access rooms can be used for meetings as needed. Newsletters are emailed weekly and there are regular update emails / texts Use of paper copy, website, email to communicate with parents / staff / visitors according to requirements. We make use of community languages to meet the needs of our community – a translation service is provided where possible. The school has appointed parent ambassadors to provide support to parents | Continue to strive to involve all parents in every pupil’s education. Further develop the school website to provide alternative means of access to school information | Ongoing | All staff | HoB | |
| Uniform | Our uniform policy promotes inclusion of all groups.Reasonable adjustments made for children experiencing stress caused by clothing irritations due to sensory needs. | Provide second hand uniform. Allow for reasonable alteration of school uniform policy to reduce anxiety e.g. wearing of PE kit or specific footwear | Ongoing | EHT PTA School Council | Governors | |
| Bullying | We challenge any pupil who espouses the view that people with disabilities are inferior in any way. This is challenged within our school learning values, anti-bullying policy and Behaviour for learning Principles. Pupils are taught about the importance of respecting other people and how to relate positively with people of all backgrounds (Rights Respecting, Relationships and Health Education, British Values, our LMPS Values and SMSC). | Monitor behaviour records and adapt PSHE curriculum and assembly content if necessary to challenge disability discrimination and teach ways of demonstrating equality | Further support for parents to clarify what bullying is and what it is not. | Termly | HT AHT SENCo | EHT HoS |
| Staff training | Continue our programme of equality awareness training including Relationships and Health Education , Mental Health and Wellbeing, Healthy Schools, Race Equality, Unconscious Bias and occasional sessions for all staff dependent on the needs of the school (e.g. Safeguarding, Diversity Role Models, Team Teach De-escalation). Partnership arrangements with local schools, colleges, supplementary schools, voluntary and community organisations are in line with school’s equality policies. | To ensure training is bespoke to individual needs and all staff have an equal opportunity to access training. This is discussed through appraisal meetings and 1 to 1 with senior staff | Ongoing | EHT HT SENCO Ealing Counselling service Counsellor | Governors |
Part of Ealing Bridges Federation