Outcry after sick pupil had to go to toilet behind bushes
A MUM has hit out a school’s strict toilet rules after her desperate child was forced to squat down and go to the toilet behind a bush.
She has told how her 12-year-old son was suffering from diarrhoea when he asked to be excused to go to the loo.
But because the school enforces a lockdown on all toilets while classes are in session he was left with little choice but to find somewhere to relieve himself.
While his teacher had allowed him to leave the room, the school receptionist refused to hand over the key.
As the youngster made his way back, he was caught short and, fearing the worst, made the decision to go behind some shrubs.
Now the school in question – Treorchy Comprehensive – has promised to review its policy of locking toilets during lessons following the complaint.
The boy’s mum told us: “He had diarrhoea so he just had to find a quiet area outside. It breaks my heart to think someone could have seen him. As far as I’m concerned it’s neglect by the school.”
The mum said her son told her what happened later that evening.
“He wasn’t ill when he went to school but had a belly ache after lunch and said it was quite acute,” she added. “This is a health and safety issue. He could not wipe or wash his hands.
“We are very happy with the school and his reports are good but I am very shocked to hear about this toilet policy.
“I feel it’s very neglectful to not have free use of the toilets. They can’t just shut off the toilets like this.
“My son is now worried about not being able to go to the toilet in school. He is also worried because he feels he did something wrong.” The boy’s parents, who don’t want their son identified, said they went to complain to the deputy headteacher the day after.
They said they were told pupils have to get a key to avoid trouble making in the toilets and kids skipping class pretending they need to go.
“He told us our son is so polite and quiet. He’s never been in trouble with the school and he enjoys school,” said his mother.
“He had permission to get the key from reception from his teacher so we don’t know why he wasn’t allowed it.
“We’ve never had a problem with the school until now but I never knew they locked the toilets during lesson time.
A spokeswoman for the school said toilet policy would be reviewed “in light of the concern raised” by the boy’s parents.
She added: “There are nine sets of toilets across the site and most are locked during lessons to ensure all pupils have access to the highest standards of toilet facilities when they wish to use them, upon request.
“The school has procedures in place which enables pupils to use toilet facilities during lessons. These have proven to be effective over many years.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on any individual cases but no child or young person who requires the use of a toilet is denied access.
“The school routinely reviews all school policies and, in light of the concern raised, an evaluation of existing procedures and policies will be undertaken.”