Why Every School Website Needs an Accessibility Statement
- Equality Act Audits
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
When parents, students, and staff visit a school’s website, they expect clear, inclusive communication. While many schools already have an Accessibility Plan—a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010—few realise the importance of publishing an Accessibility Statement online. These two documents serve different purposes, and understanding the distinction is key.
What Is an Accessibility Statement?
An Accessibility Statement is a short, clear declaration on your website that explains:
How accessible your site is.
What steps you’ve taken to make it usable for everyone.
How visitors can request alternative formats or report accessibility issues.
Why Is It Important?
Legal and Ethical Responsibility - Schools must comply with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. These regulations require public sector websites to be accessible and to publish an Accessibility Statement. Beyond compliance, it demonstrates your school’s commitment to equality and inclusion.
Improved User Experience - Parents and pupils with disabilities often rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. A clear statement helps them understand what to expect and how to get help if needed.
Builds Trust and Transparency - By openly acknowledging your accessibility efforts, you show that your school cares about every member of the community. This fosters trust and strengthens your reputation.
When creating an Accessibility Plan for a school, part of the audit includes reviewing the school’s website. This falls under the ‘Access to Information’ section of the wider Accessibility Plan. If a school does not currently publish an Accessibility Statement, we consider it reasonable under the Equality Act to recommend that one is added. This adjustment is typically free and requires very little time to implement.
An Accessibility Statement is not just a legal checkbox—it’s a reflection of your school’s values. By adding one to your website, you make a powerful statement: everyone is welcome, and everyone matters. It’s quick to create, easy to maintain, and essential for building an inclusive digital presence.
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