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Accessibility plans and 'reasonable adjustments'

Schools will vary widely in how accessible they are to individual disabled pupils. You should check what improvements have been made and what is being planned when considering which school you'd like your child to attend.

Every school must have an accessibility plan, which shows how they intend to improve accessibility for disabled pupils. The plan must be published and you can ask to see it. It will outline how the school will:

Schools can also increase access for individual pupils by making ‘reasonable adjustments’. These can be simple changes. For instance, making sure lessons are on the ground floor if one of the pupils uses a wheelchair and the school doesn't have a lift.

They may also be able to offer assistance during assessments or exams, so that pupils are assessed fairly during their course.

You should always talk to a school to discuss what it can reasonably do to include your child.

• Learning and your rights

Improvements to the physical environment

Changes to the physical environment that a school could make to increase access might include:

Improving the way information is delivered to disabled pupils

Information that is normally provided in writing (such as handouts, timetables and textbooks) can be made more accessible by providing it:

Increased access to the curriculum

Adjustments that would help disabled children have better access to the curriculum might include:

• Understanding the National Curriculum (parents section)

Assistive technology

Technology suited to your child's needs can help them learn faster and more easily. This can increase their access to the curriculum.

Examples of technology that can help include:

Some schools may already have this kind of technology available, or may be planning to get it.

Arrangements for distributing resources and funding for equipment vary throughout the UK. If your child has a statement of special educational needs, the help on their statement must be provided. This may include special equipment.

School transport

The same basic rules apply to all children. But LEAs can make a decision to provide transport on a case by case basis for a disabled child.

Your LEA will assess your child's needs when making a decision, taking into account your child's health and/or disability and their age. If your child is offered school transport, the vehicle should have the relevant equipment to suit your child's needs - for example ramps or lifts.

Most local councils also provide escorts on school transport if needed.

You may be able to get help with your own costs for taking your child to school. Your LEA will be able to tell you if this is possible.

Some LEAs have different transport policies concerning children going to special schools.

• School transport (parents section)

If your child cannot attend school for medical reasons

If your child can't go to school because of health problems, your local authority is responsible to help them to continue their education. This could be achieved through home schooling, for example.

• Access to education for children and young people with medical needs (parents section)

Useful contacts

• Education and learning contacts for disabled people

• Accessible technology contacts