CHILDRENS

Areas

· Identify an area in the school where there is:

a) Glare from windows.

b) Glare from surfaces.

c) Poor lighting.

i. Natural lighting.

ii. Electrical lighting.

d) Poor control of the lighting level, e.g. no blinds or curtains.

e) Some control of the lighting level, e.g. thick curtains.

f) Inadequate control of the lighting level.

g) Auditory confusion.

h) Strong olfactory information.

i) Dangerous access to a building.

j) Obstacles in a common area.

k) Frequent changes in physical arrangements.

Flooring and furnishing

· What type of flooring is there - lino or tiles?

· Is the flooring patterned or does it cause glare?

· Blinds - do they fit, do they work?

· Curtains - do they fit the windows? Are they thick enough to block the light out totally?

· Furniture - Are there clearly defined areas/layouts for furniture? Does the furniture clearly contrast to the floors and walls?

· Steps/stairs - Are edges of steps clearly highlighted

· Slopes - Is there a hand rail at the correct height for use when using slopes?

· Is the furniture frequently moved around for different activities?

· Are particular areas of the classroom designated for particular activities?

· Are the classrooms cluttered with furniture that is not used?

· Are they plain or patterned?

· Do the doors and floor create a good contrast?

· Areas which shine/produce glare, e.g. mirrors, Formica surfaces?

· Ceiling - dark or light?

· Clearly defined areas for storage?

· Are door knobs, light switches - highlighted?

· Is there clear labelling on cupboards?

· Are there areas of the room that can provide clear contrast where necessary?

· Are they free of clutter?

· Are there lots of mobiles etc dangling at a low level or are they in a particular area?

Walls

· Identify walls which

a) are cluttered (visually)

b) are glare producing, e.g. mirrors

c) are heavily patterned

d) have clearly defined doorways, shelves, storage, plug sockets

e) have visual displays at inappropriate height

Busy times in the school

· Identify busy times in the school

· Identify the busy areas in school

Corridors/Entrance Hall

· Are these well lit?

· Are the doors clearly marked?

· Are there any obstacles?

· What guides exist to indicate where areas/classrooms are?

· Are displays at eye level? Whose eye level?

· What auditory clues exist as guides?

· What olfactory clues exist as a guide?

Non-slip mats

· Do these provide glare or good contrast?

Equipment

· Is equipment kept in the same place and clearly defined/labelled?

· Is any equipment left lying at a low level or on the floor?

· Is any equipment kept at a high (above eye) level?

People audit

· Identify a member of staff who is wearing.

a) very visually attractive clothes.

b) clothes which provide good background for signing to children.

· Identify a member of staff whose voice is easily recognised.

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