School 'calmer' since toilets locked during lessons

Dorcan Academy, Swindon, has closed all but one set of loos during lessons

A secondary school is "calmer" since toilets were locked during lessons, educational leaders have said.

One set of supervised toilets remain open during lessons at Dorcan Academy, Swindon, Wiltshire, while the others are locked.

School leaders said the rule was introduced "because too much learning time was being lost".

But some parents have said the policy goes against children's "basic human rights" and adults would "not accept locked toilets at their workplaces".

One parent wrote on Facebook: "My son said there are supposed to be certain ones that are open at allotted times but every one he's been passed at those times have still been locked."

Another wrote: "It's a basic human right . I know that there are kids who bunk off in the toilets or use the bathroom for a social gathering but give every class [should have] a key and if someone needs to use the loo then let them use the key."

'Minimal complaints'

School leaders insist the rule is needed because since the Covid pandemic, the time used going to the loo during lessons "increased considerably".

When there is one set of toilets open during lessons, teachers can monitor how many are used and how often, a school spokesperson said.

Students have "always been expected to use the toilet before school, breaktime, lunchtime and after school" unless they have a medical card.

The spokesperson added that the "minimal complaints" have been followed up and the school has said "parents have been largely understanding and supportive".

"The school has been much calmer this term, with visitors commenting on the purposeful atmosphere, and the students have very quickly adapted to this change," a spokesperson added.