{"id":3445,"date":"2022-09-05T17:07:41","date_gmt":"2022-09-05T16:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/?page_id=3445"},"modified":"2023-12-14T13:02:32","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T13:02:32","slug":"school-toilet-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/information\/school-toilet-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"School toilet policy: rules and regulations"},"content":{"rendered":"<nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\">Home<\/a> &gt; <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/information\/\">Information and advice<\/a><\/p><\/nav><h1>\n\t\tH1 heading\n\t<\/h1>\n<h2>\n\t\tStarting primary school  \n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>If your child isn&#x2019;t quite clean and dry, or they have a medical condition such as <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;Constipation&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;Children with constipation may open their bowels less than once every three days; pass occasional very large motions, or have more frequent small motions; stools may be different textures and may be offensive smelling; they may withhold or strain to prevent themselves from passing large painful stools and may have problems with abdominal pain and distension, or soiling. Children with constipation often have reduced appetite, are unhappy, irritable or moody and may have reduced energy levels. All of the latter symptoms may improve for a time after a large bowel motion.&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/glossary\/constipation\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">constipation<\/a> it can be an additional source of worry when your child starts school. What if they have an accident in class? How do I talk to their teacher about this?<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wee-and-poo-now-your-child-is-starting-school\/\">starting school factsheet<\/a> which has lots of tips and information to help take the worry out of this milestone.<\/p>\n\t<p>Watch our video with a parent who shares her experience of getting their child ready for using school toilets. with school staff to help her son get the right support at school with his toileting challenges.<\/p>\n<p>Sam offers tips and strategies to help if your child is experiencing difficulties such as constipation, <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;soiling&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;soiling is uncontrolled leakage of stools into the underwear. This is normally associated with&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;chronic constipation and is usually totally outside the child&rsquo;s control. Often the child is&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;unaware that they have soiled, even though stools may smell offensive to others. Lack of&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;awareness is due to changes to the anatomy of the large bowel as the result of constipation&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;and is not due to behavioural or psychological issues.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Rarely soiling is not caused by constipation. Any child who is soiling should be assessed by a&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;healthcare professional. Treatment is usually with laxatives, which may initially make the&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;problem worse. The laxatives may be required for months.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"soiling\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>soiling<\/a>, toilet avoidance and anxiety. This is a 9 minute video.<\/p>\n\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/860155964?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;speed=0&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;airplay=0&amp;audio_tracks=0&amp;chapters=0&amp;chromecast=0&amp;closed_captions=0&amp;transcript=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" title=\"Back to school\"><\/iframe>\n<h2>\n\t\tExperiencing continence challenges at school \n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>Bowel and bladder issues such as daytime bladder problems, bedwetting, constipation and soiling can have a devastating impact on a child&#x2019;s learning, development and well-being.<\/p>\n<p>For many sufferers their continence problem will be &#x2018;chronic&#x2019; &#x2013; meaning it could persist for many years or keep recurring. It&#x2019;s an issue that will therefore commonly affect not just younger children, but also teenagers.<\/p>\n<p>A lack of awareness amongst health and education professionals, along with the stigma that still surrounds wee and poo is affecting many children and teenagers&#x2019; school experience. These children are at high risk of bullying and withdrawing from social situations.<\/p>\n<p>ERIC and The University of Bristol have produced a short film to raise awareness of the importance of allowing young people unrestricted access to the toilet.<\/p>\n<p>Hear from some young people who are living with incontinence and the effect this can have on them at school.<\/p>\n\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/839700685?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen title=\"Managing continence issues in secondary schools\"><\/iframe>\n<h2>\n\t\tManaging bowel and bladder issues in nurseries, schools and colleges\n\t<\/h2>\n\t<p>We have teamed up with Bladder and Bowel UK to produce comprehensive, practical information for education settings regarding bladder and bowel issues and toileting in schools.<\/p>\n<p>Our guidance document, revised in 2022, provides provides clear guidance for school leaders, proprietors, governors, staff and practitioners.<\/p>\n<p>Topics covered include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How to promote good bladder and bowel health in schools<\/li>\n<li>Hygiene standards \/ provision of school toilets<\/li>\n<li>Managing incontinence in schools<\/li>\n<li>National legislation for the four countries of the UK<\/li>\n<li>Safeguarding<\/li>\n<li>Continence policy and care plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Read <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Managing-Bowel-and-Bladder-issues-in-nurseries-colleges-and-schools-2022.pdf\">Managing Bowel and Bladder issues in nurseries, colleges and schools 2022<\/a><\/p>\n\t<h2>Health risks<\/h2>\n\t<p>Banning toilet breaks during lessons or restricting access to the toilets can aggravate or even create continence problems.<\/p>\n<p>Consequences can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Soiling and wetting accidents in the classroom<\/li>\n<li>Urinary tract infections<\/li>\n<li>Withholding which can lead to constipation<\/li>\n<li>Children reducing the amount they either eat or drink in the mistaken belief that this will stop them needing to use the toilet<\/li>\n<li>De-hydration and lack of concentration which affects their school work<\/li>\n<li>General anxiety around using the toilet outside of the home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2>Individual Health Care Plan for pupils with continence conditions<\/h2>\n<p>An Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) is essential to ensure a child&#x2019;s needs are sensitively and effectively met in education settings and that all people responsible for the child understand their needs.<\/p>\n<p>ERIC has produced a template IHCP with input from Dr Eve Fleming, a community paediatrician and <a class=\"glossaryLink cmtt_Conference 2024\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;Brenda Cheer&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Paediatric Specialist Continence Nurse &amp;amp;amp; ERIC Nurse&amp;lt;\/strong&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Brenda started her nursing career in London in 1983. After her general training Brenda specialised in children&#x2019;s nursing, and over the years has worked with adults and children, in London and Cardiff in both hospital and community settings. Since 2002 she has focussed on paediatric continence, working as Paediatric Specialist Continence Nurse at the University Hospital of Wales until summer 2018.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Brenda currently works two days a week as ERIC Nurse, the first person to take on this role, originally funded by the Department of Health. She works a further day a week as Paediatric Continence Nurse for Shine: Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus Information, Networking and Equality.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;The ERIC Nurse post was created to seek ways to improve early intervention into childhood continence problems. Brenda strives to increase awareness of children&#x2019;s bladder and bowel health, by designing easy-to-understand information for parents and providing training for health care professionals and early year&#x2019;s workers. She has produced a generic Children&amp;#039;s Continence Pathway, which ERIC is promoting as a model of best practice. The ERIC Nurse project won a prestigious Nursing Times Award in 2016, and has stimulated articles in the nursing press. Brenda has re-written many of the ERIC leaflets, and is enjoying working at the heart of the charity she supports.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;When she is not busy with her regular jobs, Brenda is much in demand as a freelance trainer and speaker. In her rare moments of spare time she enjoys the company of her three children and her husband John, a musician and music therapist.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/glossary\/brenda-cheer\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Brenda Cheer<\/a>, a Paediatric Continence Specialist Nurse. The plan was reviewed by a school nurse, a paediatrician, and two families of school-age children with continence problems.<\/p>\n<p>Download the template <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/individual-healthcare-plan\/\">Individual Health Care Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>Toilet access<\/h2>\n<p>Some children struggle with a bladder condition which means they need to wee urgently and frequently, others may have a bowel condition such as constipation.<\/p>\n<p>When these children need to wee or poo, they have to go and shouldn&#x2019;t be told to &#x2018;hold on&#x2019;. If they&#x2019;re afraid to ask to go to the toilet or the toilets aren&#x2019;t a pleasant place to be, this can make their continence problem worse and reduce their ability to manage or overcome it.<\/p>\n<p>For small children it may negatively affect their ability to learn to use the loo.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Access to toilets in primary school<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Find out what the arrangements are for children to get permission to use toilets during class time.<\/p>\n<p>Children, especially younger ones cannot be relied upon to need the toilet only at set times like playtime and lunchtime and so there needs to be a certain amount of flexibility for them to go outside these set times.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately we know some schools may take a fairly inflexible approach to this, and in reception in particular, this isn&#x2019;t appropriate for this age group.<\/p>\n<p>Children will usually need to ask permission to leave the classroom, but can be nervous about asking out loud or worry about interrupting the teacher. If this is the case, speak to the teacher about a more discreet system for your child to alert the class teacher that they are leaving the room such as placing a magnet on the whiteboard or a codeword or hand-signal they can use.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>Improving school toilets<\/h2>\n<p>The condition of toilets at school can be a key factor in how willing children and teenagers are to use them.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately there are very few legal minimum requirements governing children&#x2019;s toilets in schools in the same way that there are for the staff that work in the school.<\/p>\n<p>But it&#x2019;s really important that children should be able to use toilet facilities that are clean and that feel safe to use.<\/p>\n<p>Here are our suggestions for what to look out for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Are the toilets clean?<\/li>\n<li>Is there sufficient toilet paper in each cubicle and soap at the sinks.<\/li>\n<li>Do the taps work OK? Very splashy taps can be alarming for some children.<\/li>\n<li>Are there hand-dryers that are very loud that might be making your child anxious?<\/li>\n<li>What are the locks on the toilet doors like? Are they easy to use &#x2013; some children can worry about getting locked in if the locks are a bit stiff or afraid of the doors swinging open if they are broken.<\/li>\n<li>What are the flushes like &#x2013; difficult to use, a bit broken?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With the right design, layout and choices of finishes and fixtures, school toilets can be attractive, safe, durable and low maintenance. Open, bright and attractive toilets will encourage pupils to value themselves and their facilities.<\/p>\n<p>The &#x2018;Toilets in Schools&#x2019; guidelines, published by the Department of Education in 2007, show how toilet design can be improved to address a number of common failings in school toilet provision and includes strategies for effective maintenance and operation of toilets.<\/p>\n<p>The legislation that covers school toilets and washing facilities is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2012\/1943\/contents\/made\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Schools Premises and Regulations (SPRs) 2012.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>How do you get a toilet pass at school?<\/h2>\n<p>Since the passing of the Children and Families Act in 2014, education settings have a statutory duty to support children with health conditions, including bowel and bladder problems.<\/p>\n<p>If a pupil has an identified continence issue that the school is aware of, they should be given a &#x2018;toilet card&#x2019; or similar that allows them to go to the toilet when they need to.<\/p>\n<p>The school may ask for a signed letter from a health professional requesting that a child has a condition which means they need a &#x2018;toilet pass&#x2019;.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/sample-toilet-pass.pdf\">Download our sample toilet pass (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>Can schools lock toilets?<\/h2>\n<p>Many schools around the UK have a policy of locking school toilets during lesson times, with some even keeping them shut during breaks between classes. In schools where the toilets are locked, pupils sometimes have to request a key before they can use them.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, there&#x2019;s no law stopping schools from locking toilets during lessons, but that doesn&#x2019;t mean they should do it! Banning toilet breaks shows a lack of understanding of pupils&#x2019; health needs and a lack of respect for children.<\/p>\n<p>For a child with <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;urgency&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;The sudden and overwhelmingly urgent need to get to the toilet. It may be preceded or&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;accompanied by positional changes (crouching or holding the groin), or by fidgeting (the&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lsquo;wee dance&rsquo;). urgency may be accompanied by frequency and urinary incontinence.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"urgency\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>urgency<\/a> problems, this is not a feasible solution.<\/p>\n<p>This policy also singles out pupils with bowel and bladder conditions &#x2013; when they may want to keep their condition private &#x2013; as they are the only pupils allowed to use the toilet during lessons.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>What can your child do if their school locks the toilets?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Request a meeting with your teachers so they can tell them the reasons why not being allowed to go isn&#x2019;t good for anyone. Explain the effect it can have on children&#x2019;s health and ability to concentrate in class. Let them know it&#x2019;s important for children who&#x2019;ve got an invisible bowel or bladder problem and may feel too nervous to ask for a toilet pass.<\/li>\n<li>Explain to school that bladders and bowels work to their own timetable and not the schools! It&#x2019;s not a rule that we ask grownups to stick to when they&#x2019;re at work so why should children be treated differently?<\/li>\n<li>Encourage pupils at the school to sign a pledge not to abuse their right to go to the toilet during lessons and promise to keep the toilets clean and tidy. Make the toilets a place that everyone needs to value and respect. Try to get into the habit of using the toilet at break and lunch time.<\/li>\n<li>Ask if the school has a toilet policy (all schools should do) and suggest that the views of pupils are included in the policy and making sure everyone sticks to it. ERIC has a School Toilet Charter which your child could ask their school to adopt. All teachers should then know what the policy says so everyone follows the same rules.<\/li>\n<li>Talk to the school council, they can raise the issue with the school governing body.<\/li>\n<li>Set up a petition to get the school to reverse the policy and get backing from students and parents. Find out from friends what&#x2019;s stopping them from going to the toilet at break or lunch time. Are there enough toilets for everyone to use? Have students got enough time to go during breaks?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2>Sample school toilet policy<\/h2>\n<p>A written school toilet policy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>indicates to pupils and parents\/carers that the school values and respects the welfare of its students by fulfilling their right to go when they need to,<\/li>\n<li>shows that all school staff follow the same approach to school toilets and their access,<\/li>\n<li>means pupils know when they can use the toilet and aren&#x2019;t left worrying whether they&#x2019;ll be told off if they ask to go during a lesson,<\/li>\n<li>encourages schools to audit the toilets properly so they don&#x2019;t deteriorate over time; and<\/li>\n<li>ensures pupils&#x2019; needs are fully taken into account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pupils should be actively involved in creating and implementing the policy. It should be approved by pupils and governors, communicated to the whole school and reviewed each year.<\/p>\n<p>Not sure how to start writing a policy? We&#x2019;ve done the hard work and produced a template school toilet policy for you.<\/p>\n<p>Download the <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/sample-school-toilet-policy\/\">template school toilet policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>School toilet charter<\/h3>\n<p>Download our <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/school-toilet-charter\/\">School toilet charter<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\tFAQs\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>My child is still in nappies. Can a school deny their admission?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>No they can&#x2019;t. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/equality-act-2010-guidance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Equality Act 2010<\/a> states that schools must not discriminate against or disadvantage disabled children or those with special educational needs. A delay in achieving continence &#x2013; or not being toilet trained &#x2013; is considered a disability. It is therefore not acceptable for a school to refuse or delay admission to children who are not yet continent.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/2014\/6\/notes\/division\/4\/5\/11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Children and Families Act 2014<\/a> places a statutory duty on schools to support pupils with medical conditions, including bladder and bowel problems. If a child has an identified continence issue which won&#x2019;t be resolved before they start school (whether related to toilet training or not), the school cannot refuse entry.<\/p>\n<p>Schools must work to support those children in the school environment so they can play an active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential. Schools should also avoid putting pressure on parents\/carers of children who are having accidents to send them in wearing a nappy &#x2018;just in case&#x2019; an accident should occur.<\/p>\n<p>Schools and parents\/carers should work together to identify an appropriate containment option such as a small pad in the child&#x2019;s pants or washable absorbent pants.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Are schools allowed to call a parent or carer in to change their child if they&#x2019;ve had an accident<\/h3>\n<p>Although school staff should use their discretion and judge each case on its merits with reference to a children&#x2019;s individual healthcare plan, it is not generally acceptable practice to ask parents to come into school to change their child after they&#x2019;ve wet or soiled themselves.<\/p>\n<p>Only one member of staff needs to be present when changing a child, as long as another member of staff is nearby, so it shouldn&#x2019;t be necessary to call in a parent&#xA0;<\/p>\n<p>It is tantamount to abuse to force\/allow a child to sit in wet or soiled underwear until their parent or guardian can come in to change them.<\/p>\n<p>For more detail on this see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/306952\/Statutory_guidance_on_supporting_pupils_at_school_with_medical_conditions.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">statutory guidance on implementing the Children and Families Act<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>My son has recurring constipation and often soils his pants. He starts school in September. What should the school do to help?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>It&#x2019;s important to let the school nurse and the teaching staff know that your son suffers from constipation and soiling before he starts school.<\/p>\n<p>Talk to the school about setting up an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) to manage your son&#x2019;s constipation. The IHCP will set out a proactive toileting programme which focuses on regular supervised toilet visits, rather than solely dealing with soiling accidents.<\/p>\n<p>It&#x2019;s not enough for your son simply to be given regular access to the toilet &#x2013; young children with constipation need to be supervised when going to the loo.<\/p>\n<p>The IHCP should also ensure your son&#x2019;s constipation and soiling is managed discretely and sensitively so that it doesn&#x2019;t become apparent to other children.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Do two members of staff need to be present to change my child?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>There is no legal requirement for two members of staff to be present, so schools should not refuse to clean a child if only one member of staff is available to leave the classroom.<\/p>\n<p>For safeguarding reasons, staff who help with intimate care should make sure another member of staff is aware they are going to change a child and is in the vicinity and visible or audible ((see page 14 of the &#x2018;<a href=\"https:\/\/cscp.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Guidance-for-safer-working-practice-for-adults-who-work-with-children-and-young-people-DCSF.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children and young people in education settings&#x2019;<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>It is good practice to ensure that all aspects of continence care in school are documented in advance, for instance using an individual health care plan making sure parental consent is obtained for named carers to meet the child&#x2019;s needs.<\/p>\n<p>The guidance also states that &#x201C;intimate or personal care procedures should not involve more than one member of staff unless the pupil&#x2019;s care plan specifies the reason for this.&#x201D;<\/p>\n<p> So not only is there no need for two members of staff to be present, it is in fact discouraged unless the child needs two members of staff.<br><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>My child is being treated for constipation with macrogol laxative. How long should I keep my child off school during\/after the disimpaction process?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>There&#x2019;s no set amount of time a child should remain off school as each child is an individual and will respond differently to being cleared out.<\/p>\n<p>As a general rule, it can take up to 10 days to complete the process, but not all children will need this long. Parents may want to consider starting <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;disimpaction&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Clearing out the bowel of all the old poo using laxative medication.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"disimpaction\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">disimpaction<\/a> over a school holiday.<\/p>\n<p>See our <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/childrens-bowels\/parents-guide-to-disimpaction\/\">Parent&#x2019;s Guide to Disimpaction<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/template-letter-for-school-re-disimpaction\/\">Template letter for school re disimpaction<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Can school staff refuse to let pupils use the toilet or lock toilets during lessons?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, schools can stop pupils from using toilets during lessons and often do as a way of dealing with disruptive behaviour by some pupils.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, we are not aware of any legislation or government guidance stating that schools cannot lock toilets during lessons or at other times of the day.<\/p>\n<p>To our knowledge, it is therefore legal for schools to restrict toilet access during lessons, but we think this is unacceptable and can cause children and teenagers unnecessary suffering and risks to their bladder and bowel health.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Are unisex toilets in schools legal?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Yes, unisex toilets can be legally provided in schools as the only washroom facility for children under eight years of age.<\/p>\n<p>Unisex toilets can be provided for children over eight as long as separate toilets for each gender are also available.<\/p>\n<p>Some schools are finding that these toilets are working well to reduce bullying and are providing a safe gender neutral space.<\/p>\n<p>Disabled toilets can be unisex for any age.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/uksi\/2012\/1943\/contents\/made\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the School Premises Regulations (SPRs) 2012<\/a> for more information on toilets and washing facilities in schools.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<h3>My child isn&#x2019;t allowed to have a water bottle on their desk. Could this be harmful? <\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>As well as preventing dehydration, which is detrimental to learning and wellbeing, good drinking habits promote good bladder health, help to prevent urinary tract infections (<a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemTitle&gt;uti&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;Abbreviation for urinary tract infection. This could be an infection of the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Symptoms include odd-smelling wee, frequent\/urgent need to wee, difficulty or pain when doing a wee. May also cause day or night time wetting.&amp;lt;br\/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;!-- \/wp:paragraph --&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\"  href=\"uti\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>UTI<\/a>) and constipation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Children should be drinking 6 &#x2013; 8 water-based drinks each day, with half of their daily intake in school hours. Thirst can&#x2019;t always be relied upon, so reminders to have a drink throughout the school day are important. See <a href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wee-checker\/\">our hydration chart<\/a> for more information about how much children should drink.&#xA0;<\/p>\n<p>Schools should consider how they could facilitate good drinking habits among all their learners. This may include:<br>&#x2022; Open access to drinks unless this is clearly inappropriate, for example, in science or computer laboratories<br>&#x2022; Provision of easily accessible water fountains or taps to top-up water bottles<br>&#x2022; Encouraging learners to bring their own water bottles in from home, or providing water bottles in school&#xA0;<\/p>\n<h2>\n\t\tResources\n\t<\/h2>\n<ul><li data-filter=\"*\">All<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-117\" tabindex=\"0\">For staff<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-49\" tabindex=\"0\">Kid's stuff<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-47\" tabindex=\"0\">For Parents<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-51\" tabindex=\"0\">For Teens<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-41\" tabindex=\"0\">Fun Stuff<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-78\" tabindex=\"0\">At school<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-73\" tabindex=\"0\">Treatment<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-95\" tabindex=\"0\">Useful products<\/li><li data-filter=\".uabb-masonary-cat-45\" tabindex=\"0\">Videos<\/li><\/ul>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/eric-podcast-managing-toileting-issues-at-school\/\" content=\"ERIC Podcast: managing toileting issues at school\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-11-15\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-11-15\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/bethan-grant_eric\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Bethan Grant\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"ERIC Podcast: managing toileting issues at school\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/podcast\/episode-5-managing-toileting-issues-at-school\/\">ERIC Podcast: managing toileting issues at school Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/eric-signposting-poster\/\" content=\"ERIC Signposting Poster\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-13\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2023-06-12\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/ericposterjuly2021.jpg\"><meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"827\"><meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1169\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"ERIC Signposting Poster\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/eric-poster\/\">ERIC Signposting Poster Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/individual-health-care-plan-sample-plan\/\" content=\"Individual health care plan (sample plan)\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-09-23\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-05\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/19z35wcepr\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Kristen\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Individual health care plan (sample plan)\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/individual-healthcare-plan\/\">Individual health care plan (sample plan) Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/intimate-care-policy-for-nurseries-school-and-colleges\/\" content=\"Intimate care policy for nurseries, school and colleges\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-09-23\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-05\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/19z35wcepr\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Kristen\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Intimate care policy for nurseries, school and colleges\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/intimate-care-policy-for-nurseries-school-and-colleges\/\">Intimate care policy for nurseries, school and colleges Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/making-the-transition-to-secondary-school-an-11-year-olds-perspective\/\" content=\"Making the transition to secondary school &#x2013; an 11 year olds perspective\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-11-24\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-11-24\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/bethan-grant_eric\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Bethan Grant\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Making the transition to secondary school &#x2013; an 11 year olds perspective\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/impact\/young-champions\/making-the-leap-to-secondary-school\/\">Making the transition to secondary school &#x2013; an 11 year olds perspective Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/managing-bowel-and-bladder-issues-in-nurseries-schools-and-colleges\/\" content=\"Managing bowel and bladder issues in nurseries, schools and colleges\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-10-12\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-12\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/bethan-grant_eric\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Bethan Grant\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Managing bowel and bladder issues in nurseries, schools and colleges - Opens in New Tab\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Managing-Bowel-and-Bladder-issues-in-nurseries-colleges-and-schools-2022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Managing bowel and bladder issues in nurseries, schools and colleges Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/managing-continence-issues-in-secondary-schools\/\" content=\"Managing continence issues in secondary schools\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-13\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2023-02-08\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Managing continence issues in secondary schools\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/managing-continence-issues-in-secondary-schools\/\"> Managing continence issues in secondary schools <\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/sample-school-toilet-policy\/\" content=\"Sample school toilet policy\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-09-05\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2023-02-08\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/bethan-grant_eric\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Bethan Grant\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Sample school toilet policy - Opens in New Tab\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/School_Toilet_Policy.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sample school toilet policy Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/school-toilet-charter\/\" content=\"School toilet charter\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-09-23\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-05\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/19z35wcepr\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Kristen\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"School toilet charter\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/school-toilet-charter\/\">School toilet charter Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/sue-from-class-two-has-a-problem-with-poo-storybook\/\" content=\"Sue from Class Two has a Problem with Poo storybook\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2023-06-15\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2023-06-15\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/bethan-grant_eric\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Bethan Grant\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Sue from Class Two has a Problem with Poo storybook\" href=\"https:\/\/heyzine.com\/flip-book\/b60230f136.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sue from Class Two has a Problem with Poo storybook Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/template-letter-for-school-re-disimpaction\/\" content=\"Template letter for school re disimpaction\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-08-26\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-12\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/mattb_tocodigital\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Matt Barber\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Template letter for school re disimpaction\" href=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/template-letter-for-school-re-disimpaction\/\">Template letter for school re disimpaction Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\t<meta itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntityOfPage\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/WebPage\" itemid=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/resources\/vibrating-reminder-watches\/\" content=\"Vibrating reminder watches\"><meta itemprop=\"datePublished\" content=\"2022-09-12\"><meta itemprop=\"dateModified\" content=\"2022-10-05\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"ERIC\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/logo-240.png\"><meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/author\/bethan-grant_eric\/\"><meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Bethan Grant\"><meta itemprop=\"interactionType\" content=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CommentAction\"><meta itemprop=\"userInteractionCount\" content=\"0\"><h3>\n     <a title=\"Vibrating reminder watches\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.eric.org.uk\/collections\/vibrating-alarm-watch\">Vibrating reminder watches Opens in New Tab<\/a>\n<\/h3>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The rules and regulations around school toilets can be confusing. We provide excellent best practice guidance and resources on this issue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5881,"parent":333,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3445"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3445"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9497,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3445\/revisions\/9497"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5881"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eric.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}