Lambeth Teacher with Lambeth NUT

WITHIN REACH: AN EVALUATION OF THE SCHOOLS’ ACCESS INITIATIVE

The purpose of this circular is to inform divisions and associations about the joint SCOPE/NUT campaign, ‘Within Reach’. The NUT and SCOPE commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to carry out an evaluation of the Schools’ Access Initiative (SAI), which aims to increase access to mainstream schools for pupils with physical or sensory impairment. The DfEE supported the evaluation financially.

The circular gives a summary of the report and its recommendations. Action for associations and divisions, based on these recommendations, is outlined at the end of the circular. Further copies of ‘Within Reach’ can be obtained from the Education and Equal Opportunities Department, NUT Headquarters, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9BD.

In 1992, the NUT was instrumental in setting up the joint NUT/SCOPE, ‘Within Reach’, campaign which led to the introduction of the DfEE Schools’ Access Initiative, and which provided £10 million to LEAs to improve access to mainstream schools for disabled staff and pupils. Funds for the Schools’ Access Initiative have been increased over the years.

For the period 2001-2002, for example, the Government is allocating £50 million to mainstream schools to help them improve their facilities for children with disabilities. This is rising to £70 million in 2002-2003 and £100 million in 2003-2004. These additional funds represent a significant achievement for the Union.

Whilst welcoming the greater funds available from the Schools’ Access Initiative, the Union will continue to press the Government for resources to ensure that schools are able to apply the provisions of the SEN and Disability Bill according to their collective professional judgement, in particular, the inclusion of education under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The ‘Within Reach’ report estimates that a further £230 million is needed to achieve accessibility to all relevant areas in three quarters of primary schools and half of secondary schools. This rises to £520 million to achieve the same level of access in all schools. These figures are in addition to funds already spent and the money committed for 2001-2002. Further guidance for divisions on the SEN Bill and the SEN Code of Practice is forthcoming.

Yours sincerely