Accessability Guide

Accessability Guide v1 2025 pdf (with pictures)

Welcome,

Clip ‘n Climb Leeds is designed to be fully accessible to all visitors. Below are the key features that ensure a welcoming environment for everyone:

Parking & Facilities:

Clip ‘n Climb Leeds offers a car park with a designated disabled parking spot. The facility has a Birdie mobile hoist which can be used to assist wheelchair users with harness fitting. The hoist can also be used in our accessible WC which includes a rise-and-fall changing table, along with a toilet that has an alarm pull cord, all of which significantly improve accessibility.

What to Expect When You Arrive:

When you arrive at Clip ’n Climb Leeds, please check in at Reception where a member of our team will welcome you and confirm your booking.

Harness fitting begins at the time of your booked session. During busy periods there may be a queue while climbers are fitted with their harnesses, which may involve standing for up to 20–25 minutes.

If your child or group would find waiting in the queue difficult, you are welcome to wait in the café seating area and our team can let you know when the queue is nearly finished so you can come down for harness fitting.

Please note that if you choose this option, you may be among the last climbers to enter the briefing room to watch the safety video before climbing begins.

Once harnesses are fitted, climbers will watch a short safety briefing video explaining how the climbing system works and the rules for using the arena safely.

After the briefing, climbers can enter the climbing arena and enjoy their session. Our team members will be present throughout the arena to supervise climbing and provide assistance if required.

If you feel your child or group may need seating, or additional support, please speak to a member of our team and we will always do our best to help make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

ember of our team and we will always do our best to help make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Wheelchair Access:

The facility includes a Birdy Hoist, which allows wheelchair-bound climbers to get equipped in SEND-specific climbing gear. Additionally, there is a Chute Harness available for those requiring fully assisted climbing, providing neck support as needed

The center features all-level flooring, ensuring easy navigation for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, there is a mezzanine with extra seating, accessible via a staircase

Physical Accessibility:

Safety Briefing:

No prior climbing experience is necessary, as full safety briefings are conducted for every session and the video contains sub-titles. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure all preparations can be made comfortably

Visitors are advised to wear loose-fitting clothes and trainers. Only closed-toe shoes are permitted for safety reasons; sandals or flip-flops and Crocs are not allowed.

Clothing Recommendations:

Getting here:

For full details of directions to the centre, public transport to the centre and a map showing our location, please visit our “Location” section on the main page of our website. Alternatively, you can plan your journey by using our postcode: LS12 6BF

By Train:

The nearest train station is Leeds Railway Station which is a 30 minute walk to the centre on foot.

By Bus:

From the Boar Lane Bus Point via Bus: 229 alight the bus at Gelderd Road Lowfields Rd stop and walk for approx. 5min to our centre.

First Aid:

Trained First Aiders are available on-site to assist with emergency situations. Our Front Desk is equipped with essential First Aid supplies, including a First Aid Box, a defibrillator, and a grab bag for emergency evacuations.

Accessibility Toilet:

We have a mobile hoist onsite that can be used in our disabled WC, which features a rise-and-fall changing table to ensure comfort and ease.

While we do not offer regular SEND sessions at present, we are happy to organize special sessions for climbers with special educational needs. If you would like to arrange a dedicated session, please contact us, and we will work with you to create the best experience.

This photo is from a recent visit by Little Hiccups, a Leeds charity supporting children with additional needs.

Accessibility Climbing:

Additionally, we can recommend quieter times for families to enjoy climbing together in a calm environment. We can adjust the music volume as needed and, if you book in advance, we can ensure our instructors are prepared with the correct equipment to ensure the session is as comfortable as possible. Siblings are always welcome to join the same session, creating an inclusive atmosphere for the whole family.

Important Information:

Fully Assisted/Assisted SEND climbers must have a parent or carer accompany them in the climbing arena to ensure safety and support throughout the session. We aim to make climbing accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and are happy to assist in making this experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

Our climbing experiences are suitable for children aged 4 and up. The minimum weight for climbers is 12kg, andthe maximum weight is 22st. To participate, please book in advance online and email us your booking details, along with any specific needs you may have. This ensures that we can properly accommodate your group.

At Clip ‘n Climb Leeds, we use a specially approved SEND-friendly Assist Hoist System, paired with the Adventure harness. This full-body harness is designed to cater to a wide range of ages and sizes, making it accessible for climbers with varying needs. The system provides extra support for those who may need assistance in reaching their climbing goals.

Assisted SEND Climbing

Our climbing experiences are suitable for children aged 4 and up. The minimum weight for climbers is 12kg, and the maximum weight is 22st. To participate, please book in advance online and email us your booking details, along with any specific needs you may have. This ensures that we can properly accommodate your group.

Fully Assisted SEND Climbing

For climbers who need full assistance, we offer a Chute Harness. Climbers are supported by the Assist Hoist System, which can include neck support if required. Parents or carers are encouraged to actively participate in the climbing experience. You will be shown how to use the hoist system, and together, you can help the climber achieve their goals, making it a shared and rewarding experience.

Supporting Individual Needs:

At Clip ’n Climb Leeds we understand that every climber is different. If you or your child have specific needs, anxieties or support requirements, please let us know when booking or speak to a member of our team on arrival.

Our staff will always do their best to make reasonable adjustments where possible so that everyone can enjoy their visit.

Preparing for Your Visit

To help visitors feel comfortable and prepared before attending Clip ’n Climb Leeds, we offer additional resources and support:

  • A SEND Storyboard / Social Story explaining what to expect during a visit
  • The option to arrange a pre-visit to view the facilities and ask questions
  • The opportunity to discuss individual needs with our team in advance

These resources can help visitors, particularly those who benefit from familiarisation before attending a new environment.

We recommend arranging a pre-visit where possible so you can become familiar with the facilities and discuss any questions or specific requirements with our team.

At Clip ’n Climb Leeds, we are dedicated to helping as many people as possible enjoy climbing. While some limitations may exist, we will always work with families and support workers to find the best possible solution for each climber.

By considering these accessibility features, Clip ’n Climb Leeds aims to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, ensuring that all guests can participate in the fun of climbing.

If you are unsure whether our climbing activities are suitable for your child or group, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your individual needs.

We look forward to welcoming you to our centre.

SEND Storyboard link: https://leeds.clipnclimb.co.uk/send/

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