Study to look at disabled access

Aberdeen councillors could soon sign off on a schools audit identifying possible disabled access improvements.

A report for Thursday’s education committee reveals physical access at 25 of the city’s 59 councilrun schools was graded “poor”.

Quality improvement officer Mhairi Shewan said: “Many of these are the oldest buildings in the estate, including nine Victorian buildings.

“The design and construction make it challenging to improve their suitability, often because they cannot easily be made fully accessible for those with limited mobility.”

“Many of these are the oldest buildings in the estate”

Her report also acknowledges parents’ calls to give staff a better understanding of disabled access.

Ms Shewan adds: “This should include an audit of school buildings looking at access for all disabilities – not just physical disabilities – and consideration of how needs can be met.

“This must include assessing spaces from a sensory (autistic) perspective and for those with sensory impairments by or with input from specialist services including, for example NHS.

“This approach will help identify how best to support when operating in a building with limited flexibility.”

As well as improving young people’s physical ability to move around buildings, the work aims to expand support for those struggling to access schoolwork and better communication with their families.

It comes as Aberdeen lags behind the national average for school leavers with additional support seeking further education, training or a job.

Progress on access will be reviewed in 2023 if the plan is backed.