Does this sound right toilet for reception issue

[Buzlightyear1]

Hi so could someone please help me. My son started school last week hes been doing great. Apart from one problem, he gets very upset as he said people walk in on him using the toilet. I undressed they can't use locks due to the children locking them self in. But does it sound right that people can just walk in on them ? Has this been a issue for anyone else ? If not how do they do it so I can suggest they change things. Any help please ?

In my DC's school they have tiny toilets that are lockable but the doors are maybe adult armpit height so staff can reach in and unlock/peer over to check child's ok if need be.

Did your DC tell you people are all in on them?

Does he just mean they can walk in to the main toilet area rather than into the cubicle? That was my first thought when I read your post.

Well thats what I thought that he meant that they can just walk in to wash hands etc. But he says no so I'm a bit confused, we never got to see round the school so I have no idea how its set. I think I may need to ask the teacher. It doesn't sound right that someone can just walk in on you.

Does he know how to lock the door? Maybe he didn't and another child walked in by accident?

The toilet doors will have locks on them. The doors are low enough that an adult can reach over and unlock them if needed.

I find that I have to remind children on a regular basis to close and lock the door. I think many of them must be used to just leaving the door open at home and continue to do so in school.

Well he said there is no lock on the door. So may be there is and he hasn't realised?

I would either speak to his teacher if that's possible, or if not, send a brief non-accusatory email querying this.

My DB's school (all boys) had what was known as the "wee wall", so it was open. Is he talking about 'normal' loos though? I'd have thought they should have doors that lock.

Check with the teacher. I agree it’s likely that he hasn’t realised there was a lock and another child came in, or he saw an adult over the top of the doors and it made him uncomfortable. It’s right that reception staff should be able to see over the doors and unlock them from the outside if needed.

Yea I definitely will send a email as qe can't really talk to teachers at the moment. Thank you. It does sound strange and doesn't sound like its normal so thanks

After googling, I've discovered that the proper name for a "wee wall" is in fact a slab urinal.

After googling, I've discovered that the proper name for a "wee wall" is in fact a slab urinal

A wee wall just sounds like more fun though doesn't it?

As others have said, reception toilets should be lockable but with doors low enough for an adult to be able to open them from the outside, if necessary. Ours are in a wet area in the middle of two classrooms, so they are quite open to the room and the children can be kept an eye on, but it means that there can be a lot of activity not far from the doors. I hope it's just that he's not used to it, rather than there's no lock. Definitely clarify the situation with the teachers though.

A wee wall definitely sounds more fun. 🤣. I will definitely check with the teachers as it does sound like a misunderstanding. I don't want him to be afraid of the toilets for a silly reason. I totally agree the teachers will definitely need to be able to get in if needed. That's why I was a bit unsure, unfortunately he loves to make up a good story. This does sounds like hes probably seen someone over the door or doesn't realise there is a lock. Thank you so much