Winton Community Academy, in Andover, Hampshire, is said to have clamped down on children answering calls of nature during lessons, to stop them from vaping
Pupils have been “banned” from using toilets during lessons because so many are vaping, it has been reported.
Parents of kids at Winton Community Academy in Andover, Hampshire, have criticised the decision claiming it could lead to children having accidents or girls being embarrassed if on their periods. However the move is said to have been made to stop children from vaping during lessons.
Mum Rebecca Ewen, 37, who took her daughter out of the school, told the Andover Advertiser : “It makes me feel extremely frustrated and angry because you just feel completely powerless because no matter how hard you try and tell the school they just do not seem to listen.
‘It is just mortifying my daughter would have to stand up and argue with the teachers about going to the toilet. Imagine as a young girl having to stand up in front of your class and talk about your period.”
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A spokesperson for Winton Community Academy told the publication: “To be clear, students are not stopped from using the toilet between lessons, before school, or after school. We do have to monitor bathrooms unfortunately, due to the need to protect students from exposure to vaping.
“Also, historically toilets in schools were places where bullying might take place, so we monitor the facilities to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing. Like most secondary schools across the country, we ask students to use the toilets before and after lessons to prevent disruption to their learning.
“If a child has a medical need meaning they need to go in lesson time as well, they are given a pass to avoid embarrassment. Any child with an emergency – either desperate for the loo, or period related – is allowed to leave class and go to the toilet.
“Having listened to families’ concerns, we have monitored any queuing times to use the bathroom during break times and at no time has a student had to wait longer than 30 seconds to a minute. Looking ahead, we will have additional toilets in our new building which will open in the summer.”
The Mirror contacted the school for comment.