Delivery of high quality education that meets individual needs is being fulfilled in London Borough of Havering through an innovative approach to inclusivity.
Havering College of Further & Higher Education in Hornchurch has just opened a new hygiene room at its Ardleigh Campus, to compliment existing facilities at its Quarles Campus, Harold Hill, and ensure the College is fully accessible for all students, regardless of their individual requirements. With equipment supplied by the leader in hygiene room provision, Closomat, the room features a Closomat Palma Vita automatic ‘wash and dry’ toilet, drop-down support arms, height adjustable washbasin, mobile changing bench, hoist, screen and shower chair.
The hygiene room enables anyone who would normally need help to go to the toilet to use facilities with little or no help. The Palma Vita has built-in douching and drying, so there is no need for manual cleansing with toilet tissue, and a consistent, quality level of cleanliness is achieved after going to the toilet. The hoist facilitates transfer from wheelchair to changing bench or toilet. The height adjustable basin can be set at whatever height users find most comfortable, and the shower chair enables students who may need to wash thoroughly but cannot stand without support can shower in comfort.
College Operations Manager Lesley Cole says:
It looks fantastic. The College’s whole ethos is about removing barriers to quality education, and allowing equal access. The new room means that the needs of a specific student we now have enrolled are met; with the raft of equipment therein, it is a multi-functional room that enables any future students that need them to use appropriate toilet facilities, easily and in comfort.
National statistics show at least 6% of the student population has a disability. Department of Education guidelines require provision of a hygiene room. Closomat has, uniquely, published white papers covering accessible toilet provision in schools, and specifically hygiene rooms. These, plus support CAD drawings and additional technical information, can be accessed here.
