Completely agree, Robin. All fire exits should be accessible to people with a range of mobility needs, including wheelchair users. Schools may need to audit their environment to make sure that they can keep their staff, students and visitors safe in the event of an evacuation.

Schools may be interested in the pdnet Accessibility Toolkit that supports schools to develop good practice in reviewing and improving accessibility. The toolkit includes an Access Audit Tool that guides the user through the whole school, looking at accessibility for their students with a physical disability.

https://pdnet.org.uk/accessibility-toolkit/

Completely agree. Accessibility should not be judged solely on whether a wheelchair user can enter a building. Safe evacuation is equally important.

Any accessible means of escape should comply with the relevant requirements of Approved Document M (Access to and Use of Buildings) and Approved Document K (Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact), with suitable ramps, gradients, landings and surface finishes. An exit that leads onto a narrow gravel path, uneven surface or other inaccessible route cannot realistically be considered accessible for many wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide an accessible escape route, appropriate measures such as protected refuges/safe havens, evacuation procedures and suitable fire compartmentation should be considered. Accessibility should mean that people can use and leave a building safely, not just enter it.

There is some useful information available on accessibility requirements for public buildings which may help those reviewing their premises and accessibility plans: https://www.rapidramp.co.uk/ramp-regulations-to-public-buildings I hope that helps