Definition of ‘access’ and responsibility to make ‘reasonable adjustments’

For the purpose of the Disability Access Fund (DAF) and early years, access refers to:

• The means or opportunity to enter the provision of space where early education is to take place. This includes either domestic or non-domestic premises [as determined by Ofsted (p4 & 5)].
• The means or opportunity to engage with the EYFS statutory framework with reference to the seven areas of learning and development and welfare requirements. 

Substantial disadvantage can be avoided by making reasonable adjustments for disabled children. This means making positive steps to ensure that disabled children can fully participate in early education and enjoy the other benefits, facilities and services offered by the provision.

The reasonable adjustment duty comprises three requirements:

• Provision, criteria and practices
• Auxiliary aids and services
• Physical features