UK Schools Toilet Policy Toolkit
During our ‘Every Period Counts’ campaign in 2023, hundreds of young people across the UK shared their experiences with Irise of not being able to access toilet facilities and period products at school, despite schools being signed up to the Governments Period Product Scheme.
“My school has now put on shutters on our school toilets on every single toilet.”
Pupil aged 16
From toilets being locked, to cubicle doors being removed, young people across the UK are being denied toilet access during school time. Being unable to access toilet facilities is a human rights issue that affects all those with periods, as well as bladder and bowel conditions.
“The never-ending debate of accessing toilets in schools must be addressed if we want to create inclusive education for all. The best way to do that? Include us. Young people have to be involved to ensure we have everlasting change for all involved in the schooling system.”
Young woman aged 22
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In the summer of 2024, Irise brought together a diverse group of young people from across the UK, alongside their allies and educators to directly inform a ‘Toilet Policy Toolkit’, to equip schools with the tools they need to create a Toilet Policy that works for everyone.
Ever wondered what a Gold Standard Loo might look like? The toolkit delves into a whole host of toilet access-related elements, including how to support pupils with periods during exam time, tackling intersecting issues of vaping in toilets, how to support LGBTQAI+ students in accessing toilets and period products - and much more!
The Toilet Policy Toolkit has been endorsed by sector-leading organisations, including Bloody Good Period, Menstrual Health Project and Plan UK.
The toolkit is being launched nationwide with phs Group who hold the contract for the Department for Education's Free Period Product Scheme. This will ensure that the toolkit goes directly into schools and is used to drive period equity for all.
The next stage of this innovative project is to pilot the Toilet Policy Toolkit in schools across the UK. We are looking to partner with primary, secondary and SEN schools as well as sixth-form colleges, to test the toolkit and improve it for implementation. We will then use this learning to advocate for national toilet policy guidance with the Department for Education.
Please get in touch if you would be interested in hosting a pilot in your school, sixth form or college, or if you are in a position to fund a pilot of the toolkit.
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