St Patrick’s Primary School Mansfield Disabled Access Project Consultants:CP Associates Construction:Tanbury Construction, Mansfield Cost:£175,938 Construction:April – September 2008 Further Information : Mrs A. Castledine

Problem/Issue This is the 2nd phase of a 3 phase project started in We have twin girls, currently in Year 1, with severe, global mental and physical delay. They require space for equipment and staff, changing facilities and wheel chair access around school.

Solution (1) Phase 1 created a large changing room/disabled toilet and large store room for equipment. This build linked the Foundation Stage Unit to Main School building. Phase 2 was to facilitate the girls’ move into Key Stage 1. The Year 1 classroom has been enlarged – so that it is almost half as big again, a disabled toilet/changing room, store room and bigger cloakroom area added.

Solution (2) It is expected that this cohort of pupils will stay in this classroom for Years 1, 2 and 3 by which time Phase 3 will have been completed (making one of the Key Stage 2 classrooms bigger). In addition a ramp was built as an extension alongside the School Hall to give wheelchair access between the lower part of the school and the Dining Room/ICT suite which is on a higher level.

Impact Year 1 classroom is now big enough to accommodate the staff and equipment. There is improved disabled access between the two levels of the school. Other pupils can also use the ramp to access the Hall without going through the Dining Room and past the stage

Issues The ramp is quite steep. The disabled toilet is very small for the needs of the two girls. However, we are able to use the ramp and the toilet and believe that both were the best solution at the time of construction.

The Ramp leading from the Higher Level to the Key Stage 1 classroom – it is a little steep but handrails help Toilet/Changing Facility – it can accommodate one pupil but is a tight squeeze

The Classroom – now there is room for a discrete wet area and plenty of room for equipment The Store – adjacent to the classroom so very easy access to specialist equipment