Head teacher defends school's toilet break rule

Head teacher Graeme Corrin said the new rules aimed to reduce the amount of lesson time being missed

A head teacher on the Isle of Man has defended a secondary school's decision to ban toilet breaks during lessons unless it is an "extraordinary situation".

Students at Ballakermeen High School in Douglas are being asked to go to the toilet at lunchtime or breaktime.

Graeme Corrin sent a letter to parents saying "too many students" were asking to leave lessons and "missing large chunks of learning".

But some parents criticised the move on Facebook, with concerns raised about managing menstrual cycles and pupils potentially developing urine infections from waiting to go to the toilet.

Mr Corrin has responded with a statement which explained the school was "embedding a culture where every second of learning time counts".

Those with medical passes can leave lessons to use the facilities.

Parents were alerted to the change at the school on 8 March

The head teacher added: "There will of course be times and situations where students need to leave lessons, and teachers are able to show understanding and use their professional judgment and discretion".

"On Tuesday for example, 163 students were permitted to leave lessons for a number of reasons," he said.

He said the "rationale" for the action was "intended to ensure that lesson time is not missed".

The original letter to parents also highlighted pupils' attendance was "significantly below" the target of 95%.

The school confirmed there would also be increased supervision around toilets by teachers and CCTV in communal hand washing areas.

It also told parents no more than one child should occupy a cubicle at a time due to issues surrounding vaping, safeguarding and damage to the facilities.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has been contacted for a comment.