Shutters on school toilets to 'maximise learning'

The headteacher said he believed the move would tackle "unsupervised congregation"

A secondary school has introduced shutters to some of its toilets to help "maximise learning time".

Consett Academy in County Durham said students would have access to at least one set of toilets per floor at all times.

However, head teacher Tom Urwin said some toilets would be closed with shutters at certain times to reduce "opportunities for unsupervised congregation or inappropriate behaviour".

The move has faced some negative responses from parents on social media with one saying there was no "scientific" evidence it would improve learning and others claiming it was "too strict".

Mr Urwin said students with medical needs would be provided with a pass to allow them access to facilities "whenever required".

He said the move would "maintain a calm and safe environment" and that pupils would be in lessons as much "as possible".

He also said the school had written to parents and carers and welcomed feedback.

"We believe this approach strikes the right balance between meeting students' needs and ensuring a safe, positive learning environment," Mr Urwin said.

Some parents said restricting access to toilets would affect student morale.

One wrote: "And they wonder why kids don't want to go to school these days."

However, another said: "These rules wouldn't need to be implemented if the kids could just behave properly."