Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the policies of some schools to close toilets during lesson times on pupils' wellbeing; and if she will make a statement.

The Department trusts head teachers to develop tailored policies on the use of toilets which reflect their school’s individual contexts and needs. The 2015 Advice on Standards for School Premises is clear that suitable toilet and washing facilities must be provided for the sole use of pupils.

It is for schools to find reasonable ways, in accordance with the law, to balance every child’s right to access clean and safe toilet facilities when they need them, with every child’s right to have a safe and calm environment to learn in. In the rare cases where parents or pupils may have concerns, they should speak to their school in the first instance.