Crim Surely there are other and existing sinks of a different height for use by other students. Why not alter the height of the taps or source an extendible mixer type tap or similar. In reality the sink/basin is for catching and retaining water, hands can be washed under the tap?

I notice a lot of places have steps these days to allow kids to get to the sink. Not sure if this would solve the problem - depends on the disability I guess. Not very forward thinking by the designers in the first place mind.

I guess the fact that he gets his own washing facilities already would suggest he is already treated differently - in that respect I'm not sure what difference using wipes would be (assuming they do exactly the same job as a sink). Have you consulted with the child's parents - why not ask their opinion about using wipes? Another option would be to lower the floor level - no idea if this would be less expensive than a new sink however.

I am the child's parent and have suggested the option of providing a second basin alongside, there is the space, but the indication is that the purse is empty. It is my daughter and the room was refurbished to accommodate her needs a few years ago, but children grow. There are "rise and fall" basins on the market but that again requires money. My daughter needs a separate room for changing etc. as she is disabled, I just want to know if the use of hand wipes, which I personnaly do not like, would be classed as exclusion for disabled people

Surely over the long term hand wipes are going to work out rather expensive and what if someone forgets to order them? Also what are the effects of prolonged usage eg dry skin, rash etc If the LA cant find the money to make the adaptations I'd be somewhat concerned and thinking about taking the matter further. Are there any local plumbers that would be willing to assist in this matter?

Speaking entirely personally, I would not accept hand wipes as a viable alternative to soap and water. What about washing the face, for instance? I also suspect that hand wipes merely smear the dirt around, albeit they are probably medicated to kill the bugs. This arrangement would not meet the requirements of the Workplace Regulations (although clearly your daughter is not at work so they don't apply. However, they do give an insight into the standards that are expected). There is one further possiblity that I can think of that would be better than hand wipes - a small table, a jug and a bowl. This is what was used in the Victorian era before hot and cold running water were commonplace. Admittedly this creates more work for the carer.

Kieran, thanks for the email, I think I understand why not allowed here? I understand your point but cannot agree, we as parents are continually fighting battles on behalf of our daughter, from birth up until now at eight years young there is always someone putting a barrier in front of her/us and if we do not fight them as they come up we would be inundated with pressures. We have been successful at times, and not so on other occasions but she is worth fighting for. What would you or anyone else do if a simple act like hand washing caused you backpain because the basin is too low? I agree the school/LEA should have the money to spend on this item, surely it cannot cost too much to raise a wall mounted sink? However if they do nothing and my daughter suffers the LEA will face the consequences - strong words needed! (I'm already geared up for the fight!)

should this not have been dealt with three years ago? Surley the growing of a child is not a surprise? (It generally happens), when deciding to fit a lower sink three years agot this should have been considered and an adjustable height sink should have been fitted.