Introduction

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to providing an inclusive environment where all children, regardless of ability, can participate fully in nursery life. Our Accessibility Plan demonstrates our dedication to removing barriers and creating equal opportunities for every child in our care.

We serve children aged 6 months to 5 years at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA), and we are committed to ensuring our facilities, curriculum, and communication methods are accessible to children with disabilities and their families.

1. Policy Aims

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, LoveSpring Nursery School's Accessibility Plan aims to:

Core Objectives

  • Increase participation of children with disabilities in our nursery curriculum and activities
  • Enhance our physical environment to better serve children with disabilities
  • Improve accessibility of information for children with disabilities and their families
  • Ensure all staff are trained in equality and disability awareness
  • Foster an inclusive culture that values every child's unique abilities

This plan is available on our website and in paper format upon request. We welcome feedback from all stakeholders including parents, staff, and governors to continuously improve our accessibility provisions.

2. Legal Framework

2.1 Legislative Foundation

This plan meets the requirements of Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010 and follows Department for Education guidance. Under the Act, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal daily activities.

Definition Clarification

  • Long-term: 12 months or more
  • Substantial: More than minor or trivial
  • Includes: Sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and physical disabilities

2.2 Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to alleviate disadvantages faced by children with disabilities compared to their peers. This includes providing auxiliary aids and modifying our premises where appropriate.

3. Action Plan 2024-2027

3.1 Improving Physical Access

Target Strategies Timescale Success Measures
Identify access requirements Regular access audits, individual access plans for children with disabilities, staff training on accessibility issues Ongoing All children can fully participate in nursery activities
Enhanced mobility access Install ramps where needed, ensure doorway accessibility, create accessible changing facilities Annual review Independent mobility for all children within nursery environment
Safe emergency evacuation Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for children with mobility needs, regular evacuation practice Termly updates All children can be evacuated safely and efficiently
Sensory environment improvements Create quiet spaces, adjust lighting, reduce auditory overload, tactile resources Phased implementation Reduced sensory overload for sensitive children

3.2 Curriculum Access Improvements

Target Strategies Timescale Success Measures
Inclusive learning resources Adapted toys, tactile books, visual timetables, sensory play equipment Continuous development All children engaged in learning activities
Differentiated activities Multiple entry points to activities, varied communication methods, flexible grouping Daily practice Each child works at appropriate challenge level
Specialist equipment provision Positioning aids, adapted cutlery, supportive seating, communication aids As needed Children can participate in all nursery routines
Staff training development Regular SEN training, external specialist input, sharing best practice Termly sessions Confident, skilled practitioners

3.3 Communication Enhancements

Target Strategies Timescale Success Measures
Accessible parent communication Large print materials, easy-read formats, translation services, face-to-face meetings Ongoing All parents can access information
Alternative communication methods Makaton signing, PECS, communication boards, visual supports Continuous implementation All children can express themselves
Digital accessibility Website accessibility features, readable fonts, alt-text for images Annual review Inclusive digital presence
Multi-sensory communication Visual schedules, auditory cues, tactile symbols, olfactory markers Daily use Enhanced understanding for all children

4. Outdoor and Physical Environment

Play Area Accessibility

  • Level access to all outdoor play areas
  • Adapted playground equipment including accessible swings and sand/water tables
  • Sensory garden with raised beds for wheelchair access
  • Shaded areas for light-sensitive children
  • Non-slip surfaces throughout outdoor areas

Indoor Environment Adaptations

  • Clearly defined play areas with visual boundaries
  • Adjustable lighting in all rooms
  • Acoustic treatments to reduce noise levels
  • Accessible toilet and changing facilities
  • Clear signage with pictures and symbols

5. Staff Training and Development

5.1 Mandatory Training Programmes

Training Area Frequency Participants Outcomes
Disability Equality Annually All staff Improved awareness and inclusive practice
Supporting Complex Needs Termly Key practitioners Enhanced intervention skills
Communication Methods Half-termly All staff Effective interaction with all children
Physical Support Techniques As required Relevant staff Safe moving and handling

5.2 Continuous Professional Development

We are committed to ongoing staff development through:

  • Regular team meetings focusing on inclusion
  • Sharing best practice across the nursery
  • Access to external training and conferences
  • Mentoring and coaching programmes
  • Regular performance reviews with inclusion focus

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

6.1 Regular Review Schedule

  • Daily: Practitioner observations and adaptations
  • Weekly: SENCO monitoring of individual progress
  • Termly: Review of accessibility interventions
  • Annually: Full accessibility audit and plan review

6.2 Success Indicators

  • All children participating in chosen activities
  • Positive feedback from parents and professionals
  • Progress towards individual learning goals
  • Successful inclusion in group activities
  • Children demonstrating happiness and engagement

7. Partnership with Parents

7.1 Collaborative Approach

  • Regular communication about child's progress and needs
  • Joint planning meetings with parents and professionals
  • Sharing strategies between home and nursery
  • Parent workshops on supporting development
  • Accessible parent consultation methods

7.2 External Agency Collaboration

  • Close work with local authority SEN services
  • Partnerships with health professionals including physiotherapists and speech therapists
  • Access to educational psychology services
  • Collaboration with visual and hearing impairment services

8. Related Policies

Integrated Policy Framework

This Accessibility Plan works alongside our other key policies:

  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Policy
  • Equality and Diversity Policy
  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
  • Behaviour Management Policy
  • Supporting Children with Medical Conditions Policy
  • Curriculum Planning Policy

9. Contact Information

SENCO: [Name to be appointed]

Nursery Manager: [Manager's Name]

LoveSpring Nursery School: Coventry, CV1 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: senco@lovespringnursery.co.uk

Local Authority SEN Team: [Contact details to be added]

Date of Plan: [Current Date]

Last Reviewed: [Current Date]

Next Review Due: [Three years from current date]

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager/Owner, LoveSpring Nursery School

L O V E S P R I N G

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