Trans pupils need access to free tampons

SCHOOLS must make sure free period products are available in “communal areas” so they can be accessed by girls who identify as transgender boys.

Earlier this week, the Government rolled out its scheme to provide tampons, sanitary pads and other menstrual products.

The Department for Education published guidance for schools that advised head teachers to store products in “communal areas such as libraries” so that “all learners, including those who would not use female toilets, can access the products”.

The guidance stated that “girls, nonbinary and transgender learners who have periods may all need to access this scheme”.

It went on to explain that free period products should be available to “learners who do not identify as female but still have periods, for instance, transgender boys and non-binary learners”.

The chancellor announced last year that sanitary products would be given out for free in secondary schools across England. Announcing the move in the spring statement, Philip Hammond told MPS: “In response to rising concern by head teachers that some girls are missing school attendance due to inability to afford sanitary products, I have decided to fund the provision of free sanitary products in secondary schools and colleges in England from the next school year.”

The Government has already pledged to remove VAT on sanitary products – the so-called “tampon tax” – when the UK leaves the European Union. Currently, it channels the revenue it raises to good causes.