Bad teachers

[Tom012]

Does anyone know how to approach issues where teachers are refusing toilet access? I raised a concern to the school, and I was shocked how uncaring and strict they were. Apparently toilets are closed until break and lunchtime, and there is staff who do checks to make sure this rule isn’t broken. It’s got teachers in fear also. As am sure people know, bladders don’t just work on breaks, the signal to go could happen at any time. I spoke to the headteacher and she said that that was the policy. I feel this is just going to risk the possibility of students becoming hydrated and or having accidents which could lead to bullying.

[ERIC-Charity Partner]

Hi, have a read through our page about access to school toilets: eric.org.uk/school-toilets

[Yaleamanda]

Also speak to the school SENCO and refer to the guidance below from the Eric website

[Ntidad]

Explain the situation to the school and offer a letter from the GP? I had a related but different issue and said I would send a letter from the doctor and they accepted my need to break policy.

[MunchieMum]

😮 I'm sorry you're going through this, it's all just so unnecessary. My daughter is in year 2 and while we haven't faced this issue we have butted heads with school over other constipation related issues.I would try a two pronged approach.

Regardless of what the head says get the teachers/TAs onside as they may just let your child go anyway.

Regarding the head, send a letter to the head explaining your child's issue, explaining what the consequences are if they are not allowed to go to the toilet, and explaining what allowances or measures you would like in respect of your child. Then, clearly state that you would much rather work this out informally as the alternative is that you will be forced to get your GP to write a letter to the board of governors and the local authority insisting that they change their policy!

The latter seemed to make a difference to our school leadership team for some reason.

😉

Good luck!

[MrsSquirrel]

If the child has bladder issues the school is duty bound to complete an Individual Heath Care Plan. You can involve continence team/nurses is needs be.