Plans to improve accessibility across Falkirk schools to be considered
A new three-year strategy aimed at improving access to learning, including for children and young people with disabilities and additional support needs, will be considered by Falkirk Council's Executive on 5 November.
The Education Accessibility Strategy and Action Plan 2026-2029 sets out how the Council intends to identify and reduce barriers to learning, improve accessibility in school buildings and strengthen communication with pupils and families.
Members will be asked to approve the strategy and action plan, which would provide a framework for identifying priorities and planning improvements across Falkirk's schools over the next three years.
Improving access to education
The strategy focuses on three key areas:
- Access to learning - ensuring children and young people can participate in lessons and school activities, including through specialist equipment, digital technology and appropriate support
- Access to school buildings - identifying physical barriers and considering improvements to facilities such as toilets, changing areas, classrooms, outdoor spaces and access routes
- Access to communication - improving how information is shared with pupils and families, including providing accessible formats and communication support where needed.
The proposals aim to move towards a more consistent, planned approach to accessibility across all schools, rather than primarily responding to individual issues as they arise.
Views of families help shape proposals
The strategy has been informed by a consultation carried out during March and April 2026, with responses being received from parents, pupils, education staff and partner organisations.
While respondents were broadly supportive of the strategy, they also highlighted areas where improvements are needed.
These included better access to specialist equipment and support, improvements to sensory-friendly spaces, more consistent staff training and clearer communication with families.
The feedback has helped shape the proposed action plan, which sets out responsibilities, timescales and arrangements for monitoring progress.
Planning future improvements
The strategy will work alongside the Council's Learning Estate Review, which considers the condition, suitability and future needs of school buildings.
Any investment would be considered through the Council's existing planning and budget processes, with accessibility improvements also taken into account as part of planned maintenance, refurbishment and future school projects.
Jon Reid, Director of Education, said:
Every child and young person should be able to take part in school life and access the learning and support they need.
"We know there are barriers in some of our schools and the feedback from families has helped us better understand where improvements are needed.
"This strategy is about taking a more planned and consistent approach so we can identify those barriers, establish priorities and make the best use of the resources available.
"It is important to be clear that we are asking Executive to approve a framework for action over the next three years, rather than individual projects or investment decisions. Further assessment and planning will be needed to determine what improvements can be delivered and when.