THOMAS TELFORD CITY TECHNOLOGY COLEGE, Telford, Shropshire Reception areas should be spacious enough for all users, including those with wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Chafford Hundred Learning Campus, THURROCK, essex
The entrance is a school's public face so it should be clearly visible and attractive.

Entrance areas
The public face of the school is an important part of its success as a learning place for all. The first space that everyone sees on entering the school is the reception area. It is important, particularly if a school is to encourage a wider use of the school's facilities, to make this an attractive and welcoming space. Security should also be considered. Entrances should:
• Have a welcoming and clearly visible reception area;
• Offer opportunities for display of pupils work as well as information that reflects the community nature of the building;
• Have enough movement space for all users including those in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs.

Circulation areas
Many existing schools have narrow, poorly-lit corridors with low ceilings. These spaces are unattractive and lead to congestion and, in the worst cases, behavioural difficulties, which can affect subsequent learning time. The standard of circulation design needs to be improved.

Circulation in school buildings should be designed to cater for a range of users, some of whom will be coming to the school for the first time. There are a number of circulation issues to be considered, including planning, lighting, acoustics and finishes. Environmental matters are covered in Section 2B and planning issues are covered in Section 2C.
More imaginative design can make better use of circulation space creating more varied areas, blurring the edges between space for movement and space for socialising and learning. Wide enough circulation routes can be places where pupils meet as they are getting belongings from their lockers. Corridors can be opened up for use as informal learning areas.
Circulation routes should be wide enough to avoid congestion, taking
account of people with disabilities and weight of traffic. Doors need to be positioned to minimise restriction. A view from the corridor into a learning space or outside gives a sense of openness and increases the sense of width. For more detail on circulation issues, refer to Building Bulletins 91 and 94.