Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Prisoners' Families Helpline

Helpline opening hours:
Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am - 3pm

  • Phone
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Arrest
    • After arrest
    • Being charged
    • Bail
    • Caution
    • Rights in custody
  • Going to court
    • Types of Courts
      • Magistrates Court
      • Crown Court
      • Youth Court
    • On the day
      • Facilities at court
      • What time to attend
    • Remand in custody
  • Community sentences
    • What are community sentences
    • What is a breach?
    • Offender managers
  • Prison Sentences
    • First days in prison
      • Where will they be taken
      • Locating a prisoner
      • Visiting prison
      • Help with the cost of prison visits
      • Staying in touch
      • Worried about self harm/ suicide
    • Keeping safe in prison
    • Care and support in prison
      • Healthcare in prison
      • Family support
      • Prisoner debt and money
    • Sentencing
      • Sentence length
      • Indeterminate, extended and life sentences
    • Prison life
      • What to expect
      • Property and money
      • Prisoner Categories
      • Transfers
    • Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL)
    • How to make a complaint
  • Release
    • Release date
    • Release on licence
    • Home Detention Curfew (HDC)
    • Parole
    • Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
    • Recall to prison
  • Support for families
    • Helpline
    • Useful links
  • FAQs
    • Locating a prisoner
    • Keeping in touch with a prisoner
    • Sending in clothing
    • Making a complaint
    • Probation issues
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Facilities at court
  1. Going to court
  2. On the day

Facilities at court

The facilities available to families at courts vary across the country – all have at least toilets and refreshment facilities. The Court finder website has detailed information on the facilities at all courts in England and Wales. 

What services are available for disabled people? 

All courts should have disabled access and toilet facilities. In addition, courts generally offer enhanced hearing access and welcome guide dogs for the visually impaired. If you have a disability that may affect you when attending court it is worth contacting the court in advance so that special arrangements can be made. You can also visit the court’s website or speak to your solicitor about disabled access. 

Are there any childcare facilities at court? 

Most courts do not have childcare facilities, it is best to enquire with the individual court prior to attending. Children under 14 years of age are not normally permitted in a public gallery or courtroom without the Judge’s permission. 

Babies and small children must be supervised by an adult at all times. This means that if you attend with a child and no-one else is available to look after the child you will not be able to enter the court room. Court staff are not permitted to supervise children on behalf of a family member under any circumstances. 

Will there be a translator? 

If your family member requires a translator the court will provide one. There is no obligation for the court to provide translation services for those attending in support. 


Download and print our fact sheet:

Facilities at court PDF

Published: 16th October, 2020

Updated: 15th February, 2021

Author:

Related topics:
  • Going to court
  • Court On the day
Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • What do you think of our new website?

  • HMP Altcourse

  • HMP Ashfield

  • HMP Askham Grange

Related

  • What time to attend

    What time to attend

  • Youth Court

    Youth Court

  • Crown Court

    Crown Court

  • Remand in custody

    Remand in custody

  • Magistrates Court

    Magistrates Court

Most read

  • Release date

    Release date

  • Rights in custody

    Rights in custody

  • Privacy Policy

  • HMP Foston Hall

  • Parole

    Parole

  • Where will they be taken?

    Where will they be taken?

  • Example - How we're funded

    State your case for the support you need, while showing supporters can trust you (be transparent)

  • Example - Mission, vision, values

    What you're all about -- but write to inform and inspire site visitors, not for yourselves

  • What do you think of our new website?

  • Useful links

    Useful links

Latest tweet

For more info:

  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland

Follow us

  • Twitter

Useful links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy policy
  • Website survey

Helpline

Phone number: 0808 808 2003



© Prisoners' Families Helpline 2020.
All rights reserved.

The National Prisoners’ Families Helpline is operated by Prison Advice and Care Trust under contract to Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service.

The NICCO website provides information for professionals who come into contact with the children and families of offenders.