A mum has threatened to withdraw her teenage daughter from school over a policy restricting the use of toilet facilities.
Nicola Walsh, whose 16-year-old daughter Rebecca attends Deyes High School in Maghull, Liverpool, said the school had tightened access to the toilets since half-term after an incident of vandalism. She told the ECHO : "They are only allowing them to be used at break-times, and then only two children can access them at a time.
"If they want to go to the toilet in lesson time, they have to go to the school office to get a key. When my daughter told me what was happening, I told her it was okay to come home, and she won't be going back until she can access them when needed.
"It's a basic human right to go to the toilet. People in prison can go to the toilet whenever they want."
An email sent to parents from headteacher Victoria Beaney explained: "We have been experiencing a high number of telephone calls regarding the school toilets and our decision to close them at lesson time. We have listened and respect feedback from parents and on your request we have replaced the outer doors to all student toilets throughout the school.
"Of course we encourage, as we have always done, students not to leave lessons and interrupt their learning but if this is necessary and they have a toilet pass they will be allowed out of class briefly by their teacher. Keys for toilets can be collected from and returned to reception.
"We can then ensure that students are respectful in their behaviour, bathrooms are hygienic and staff supervision ensures that all students feel safe and confident. I hope this clears up any confusion on the matter."
Deyes High School has been approached for a response to Ms Walsh's complaint.
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