At Astor Bannerman, we are passionate about helping schools create truly inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Recently, Our Lady Fatima School took a significant step towards accessibility by installing a Hygiene Room, complete with an Astor OT200 Ceiling Hoist in an XY configuration, to support a pupil with complex disabilities.
This forward-thinking approach not only improves accessibility but also addresses the growing need for more inclusive facilities in mainstream schools.
The Challenge of Accessibility in Mainstream Schools
With a shortage of places in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools across the UK, mainstream schools must rise to the challenge of providing for pupils with complex needs. These adaptations are vital to ensure that all children have access to education in a safe, supportive environment. Hygiene Rooms play a critical role in bridging this gap by offering essential facilities for pupils requiring additional care.
Meeting the BB103 Guidelines
When designing hygiene rooms in schools, Building Bulletin 103 (BB103) provides essential guidance. BB103 emphasises that hygiene facilities in schools should meet specific needs, with space for maneuverability and equipment tailored to the user. Unlike Changing Places facilities, which are not typically required in schools, Hygiene Rooms are designed for the more frequent needs of pupils within educational settings.
Key BB103 requirements for Hygiene Rooms include:
- Adequate space for staff to assist the user.
- Equipment such as height-adjustable changing tables, ceiling track hoists, and accessible toilets.
- Proper planning to integrate the room seamlessly into the school environment.
Making It Work in Smaller Spaces
One of the standout aspects of Our Lady Fatima School’s project is how they achieved so much in a relatively compact area. Schools often worry that space constraints will prevent them from installing a hygiene room, but our expertise lies in creating bespoke designs that maximize functionality even in smaller spaces.
For Our Lady Fatima School, the installation included:
1. Astor OT200 Ceiling Hoist
- In an XY configuration, allowing seamless transfer across the room without compromising space.
2. A Changing Table
- Designed to meet the ergonomic needs of both pupils and staff.
3. A Shower and Accessible Toilet
- Ensuring the room provides comprehensive hygiene support.
Our tailored approach ensures that schools don’t need to sacrifice their vision of inclusion due to space limitations.
Why These Changes Matter
Inclusive facilities are about more than meeting regulations; they foster a sense of belonging and equality for all pupils. By providing this Hygiene Room, Our Lady Fatima School is:
- Supporting the dignity and independence of pupils with disabilities.
- Reducing pressure on parents to find alternative schooling options.
- Setting a precedent for other mainstream schools to follow.
Inspiring Councils and School Trusts to Act
Our Lady Fatima School’s project showcases how a mainstream school can adapt to meet the needs of every child. For councils and school trusts, this is an opportunity to lead the charge in inclusive education by:
- Proactively planning Hygiene Rooms in new and existing schools.
- Leveraging innovative, compact designs to accommodate even the smallest spaces.
- Investing in bespoke equipment tailored to the unique needs of pupils.
At Astor Bannerman, we are ready to support councils and schools at every step of the journey. From initial consultations to installation, we ensure that the process is seamless and the result transformative.
Case Studies
Ready to Transform Your School?
Let’s work together to make education accessible for all. Contact us to learn more about how we can design and install a Hygiene Room tailored to your school’s needs.
