Can a school lock the toilets?

[Toot]

My sons school started doing this at the start of December. It was supposed to be to stop children hiding away during lesson times (a good idea) but unfortunately there have been 5 occasions when the janitor has forgotten to unlock the doors at either break or lunch. My son is as regular as clockwork so this interruption to when he can use the loo is really affecting him. I have written to the school but am not getting much back. Are there any rules surrounding toilet access that I can quote? We live in Scotland if it's important re: rules/regulations.

[Everhopeful]

I think I'd try pointing out to the school that they have to provide toilets - The School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967. No 1199 (S.103) states minimum numbers as follows:
Every 15 pupils up to a total of 60 2 Toilets
Every additional 30 pupils up to a total of 300 pupils 2 Toilets
Every additional 60 pupils over 300 pupils 2 Toilets

In addition there shall be
• Suitable provision for the disposal of sanitary products for girls
•Every toilet shall be adjacent to a washbasin
•Every toilet will have a lock and every cubicle will offer sufficient privacy

They wouldn't do that if they could just be locked off.

I think it could be worth reminding them of this, plus pointing out that, if the kids don't have their own toilet, they'll have little choice but to use the staff ones or pee in the classrooms! That'll bring the pains on

[Toot]

:-)

[BoundandRebound]

Yes they can

But there should be access during all breaks

[schoolnurse]

There is a charity called Bog standard there is lots of information on there about why toilets should be available and clean etc and the health implications if they're not. If the toilets are being left locked at break times and the school are not acknowledging your letters write to the governors it is unacceptable.
You cannot stop adults in working environments from going to the loo.

[skatingRink]

It was supposed to be to stop children hiding away during lesson times (a good idea)

But what if a child is sick or needs to "go" in an emergency during lessons? Sorry, but I don't think they should do that, whether they're allowed to or not. I remember my own school doing the same back in the eighties. I'm sorry to hear it still happens now.

[arowhena]

sorry to resurrect zombie thread but my friend has started a petition on this issue - please sign! you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-school-toilets-unlocked

[mummytime]

Signed the petition!
I wrote to my children's school head about this at the end of last term, and funnily enough she wasn't very prompt to reply (unlike other issues).