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Holly, a 15-year-old student from Pentyrch, Cardiff, made the decision to be home-schooled due to the “baffling” school toilet restrictions she faced. She expressed feeling embarrassed and anxious as she was frequently denied permission to use the toilets during class or found them locked off. Holly, who has autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sensory processing disorder, highlighted how these rules were a significant factor in her choice to switch to online tutoring in January 2024.
In a UK-wide survey, 65% of students reported being unable to access school toilets freely at any time. Cardiff council recognized the challenges faced by schools but emphasized their commitment to collaborating with educational institutions to find solutions that allow pupils to access toilets as needed. Holly’s mother, Jo Wallace, expressed bewilderment at the restrictive toilet policies in schools, noting the negative impact such rules have on teenagers who are already dealing with various pressures and challenges.
Erin, a 17-year-old sixth form student at Bedwas High School in Caerphilly county, also shared her experience with limited access to school toilets. She mentioned that following school toilet renovations, facilities were segregated by year groups, leading to disparities in access to sanitary products and bins. Erin described how toilets were locked during lessons, and permission to use them was often denied, except in emergency situations. Like Holly, she recognized the concern for behavioral issues but stressed that it was unfair to penalize all students due to the actions of a few.
Cardiff council highlighted investment through the Period Dignity initiative to enhance school facilities for learners. They mentioned providing secondary schools with a range of period products and installing dispensers in school toilets for easy access. Despite acknowledging the need to address anti-social behavior and ensure safety in school toilets, the council expressed their dedication to working with schools to find solutions that prioritize students’ access to toilets. Additionally, Caerphilly council recommended that parents address any concerns about school toilet regulations directly with the school through the complaints policy
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