Schools Access Initiative
The Schools Access Initiative (SAI) provides funding to mainstream and voluntary aided schools to make them more accessible to disabled children. It can be used to install lifts, stair lifts, ramps and disabled toilets to help physically impaired children; carpeting and acoustic tiling of classrooms to benefit hearing impaired pupils; and blinds and paint schemes to benefit visually impaired children, as well as to support other capital projects that improve the accessibility of schools.
Between 2006-08, £200m is being available (£100m for local authorities).In 2007-08, £20m is available for voluntary aided schools, and £80m for mainstream schools.
All mainstream school and voluntary aided schools are eligible for support. Funding is allocated to local authorities and then it is up to each to decide its priorities. SAI is delivered through the 'single capital pot' to make it easier for local authorities to join their SAI allocation up with other capital funding to increase flexibility.
The grant element for VA schools is delivered through the LA co-ordinated VA Programme (LCVAP). More information is available under 'Voluntary Aided Schools/Capital announcement'.
Monitoring schools access initiative funding
All local authorities must provide a short report on the use and benefits of SAI allocations and these completed reports should be returned by 31 July following the close of the financial year. If you are interested in applying for funding on behalf of your school you should contact your local authority. For further information from the DCSF, contact alison.thompson@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Criteria for support — Guidance to Local Authorities. When considering which school or schools to select for the Schools Access Initiative, the local authority should look at the capacity of each school to take advantage of the access improvements, and the availability of accessible provision across the authority, the school's SEN policies and their teaching practices and ethos. It may also wish to consider the degree to which facilities may be used by a wider community. Projects should seek to improve to mainstream education in one or more of the following ways: For detailed information click here to access the area.
If you would like further details or information on SEN, access TeacherNet's SEN and Disability pages here.
