A school in Bristol has come under fire after a photograph of a bench blocking a disabled parking space circulated online.
The photograph shows a picnic bench positioned over a disabled car parking space at Christ Church C of E Primary School in Clifton, whose headteacher says it has since been removed.
The owner of the photograph, who wished to remain anonymous, said she took the picture on her phone earlier this week but alleges it is not the first time she has seen the bench placed there.
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She said: “I took it for my personal records to be able to evidence the duration it’s been there.
“I’ve also got a picture of all of the teachers eating their lunch over it which optically, is absolutely terrible.”
The woman alleged she first raised the issue of the blocked parking space last year with the headteacher and furthermore with the deputy headteacher, and made a formal complaint to the school on Thursday.
“You wouldn’t dream of using a wheelchair lift as a storage cupboard just because it’s not currently being used for a wheelchair user, you’d leave it open for access at all times. I’m really confused how they can justify using the bay in this way.”
She also said she was concerned for visitors coming to the school who might need to use that space.
“The message that it sends out really is that the school’s use is more important than the provision that’s actively there,” she said.
According to data from Bristol Live’s School Ratings, 4.4 per cent of the school’s pupils have Special Educational Needs.
Bristol Live approached Christ Church C of E Primary School for comment about the parking bay and they have confirmed the table has since been moved.
Headteacher Mrs Clare Jones said: “I am able to say, the table is not in the disabled car parking space and we have plenty of car parking provision on site for anyone who needs it.”
The head was unable to provide a more detailed response at this time as they are in “active confidential communication with a parent on this matter”.
After the image was circulated on Twitter, many people were outraged by the placement of the picnic bench.
Twitter user @shevvyt said: “What lesson/message does this teach to all in that school community? The wrong one.”
Another user @scottiepye tweeted: “Personally I think it sends out a very negative message towards those with disabilities.”
The school’s website states: “The Equality Act 2010 applies to our school and it is the responsibility of our Governing Body to ensure that our school meets the requirements of the Equalities act.
“We need to ensure that those adults and children with protected characteristics are not discriminated against.”
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