Outdoor spaces: outdoor toilets or direct access to toilets

The provision of external toilets or direct access to toilets from external play areas will benefit children and staff and promote children’s independence and sense of competence due to easier toilet access.

Cheeky Cherubs Early Years Schools, Ballincollig, County Cork.

Design features

• An accessible toilet located in or close to the outdoor play area makes the area more usable.

Design tip

• Ensure the doorway and toilet are spacious to allow access to all users.
• If a child sized toilet is not available add a non-slip portable step that is strong enough to take a child’s weight.

A. Door with 950mm minimum clear opening width.

B. Level access threshold.

C. 1800mm turning circle to provide wheelchair turning space. This will also provide manoeuvring space for people with mobility devices or for staff to assist with a child.

D. Fold down nappy changing table provides a space to change a child’s nappy without having to go inside.

E. Vertical grabrail.

F. Washbasin.

G. Horizontal grabrail.

H. WC pan with backrest.

I. Dropdown grabrail.