Accessibility Strategy 2025-27

Introduction to the proposal

• This proposal is to consult on the draft School Accessibility Strategy 2025-2027. This is a statutory document required under paragraph 2(4) of schedule 10 of The Equality Act 2010.

• The School Accessibility Strategy has been produced with reference to the Welsh Government document Planning to increase access to schools for disabled pupils https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-04/planning-to-increase-access-to-schools-for-disabled-pupils.pdf which outlines the Councils requirement to prepare, implement, review and update written accessibility strategies for schools. The purpose of the strategy is to support the development of fully inclusive learning environments where all learners are given the opportunity to succeed and have access to an education that meets their needs.

The strategy outlines the council’s aims and commitments to improve:

• The extent to which pupils with disabilities can participate in the schools’ curriculums

• The physical environment of the schools

• Access to Information - for pupils, carers and families

• Communication and Transparency - being open and honest about what can be expected or achieved.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to ensuring that all pupils within its maintained schools and educational settings have every opportunity to attain the best possible outcomes. In order to achieve this ambition, it is essential that we ensure schools remain sustainable, reflect the needs of our local communities, and are equipped with the best possible learning environments. To support this, the council is undertaking a comprehensive programme of condition surveys of all schools in order to ensure all accessibility concerns are clearly identified. For further information on an individual school, please ask the school for their accessibility plan.

For further information on the councils strategy, please contact schoolorganisation@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

The strategy will make clear the Council’s position on improving accessibility for disabled pupils and outlines schools’ responsibilities in meeting their requirements around accessibility including accessibility of the curriculum, the physical environment and information for pupils with disabilities. The Council is committed to o ensuring that all children and young people are as fully engaged in their learning and development as is possible and this strategy will help ensure full inclusion of disabled children in a school environment.

Responding to the Consultation Period

• This consultation gives you the opportunity to ask questions and make comments that will be considered when the Council’s Cabinet decides how to proceed
• The Consultation would run from 7 October to 18th November 2024. This is a good way to be able to get answers to any questions you many have about the proposal.

Your views are important to us, we will still ask that you complete a consultation response form, as we can only accept views in writing.

• Complete the online response form
• All responses submitted in writing by 18 November 2024 will be considered by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

All consultation material can be viewed below:

Draft Accessibility Strategy 2025- 2027 Document