ADM does not cover access to playing fields, however, all schools are covered under the Equality Act and have obligations under the public sector duties. This covers not just pupils, but also staff, third party users, visitors and parents. Access to services in an equal manner is a requirement and any deviation from that equality must be reasonably justifiable, you know and I know often it isn't.
Under the public sector duties, the public body and those who act on their behalf need to meet the duties and may where necessary need to go beyond to enable equality in use. (best practice) All are obligated to meet the responsibilities, of the Equality Act & SENDA, within their field and professional duties under their requisite organisations.
Suggest they read this.
http://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/designing-for-disability-know-your-legal-obligations
Where ramps and steps have not been completed as per BS8300 then their insurers will not be happy. If someone injures themselves, any court will establish whether the structure is unsafe, if it doesn’t meet recognised British Standards, they could be in difficulties.
Regards Jane
Jane Simpson
RIBA & NRAC Consultant
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-----Original Message-----
From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alan Hunt
Sent: 28 July 2014 12:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Access to school playing fields etc
It seems that access to school playing fields are not covered by AD M and so I have discovered that some new schools are being designed without steps and ramps if necessary to overcome a change in level. I have also come across ramp and path gradients which are not being installed to any known standard and inappropriate path surfaces such as gravel are being used. I have challenged these, if nothing else on the grounds of common sense, but have come against a brick wall because there is no standard which says specifically that these facilities must be accessible to all. I know that BS 8300 does include buildings and associated facilities but this is considered a recommendation and not a requirement.
I have searched the obvious including Building Bulletins and the Schools Standards and Framework Act etc but can't find anything.
Does anyone know of a statutory standard which can be applied in these circumstances?
Regards
Alan
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