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Benefits to Schools of good toilets
Benefits to schools of improving the state of the
toilets and trusting pupils to go to the toilet when they need to
- Pupils achieve most at school when both their health and learning
needs are met
- Going to the toilet when pupils need to is an important way of
protecting their health and wellbeing. This has positive knock-on
effects for teachers
- Pupils are more receptive to learning when they are not distracted
by an uncomfortable bladder or bowel
- Going to the toilet when pupils need to promotes good bladder and
bowel practices, which can help avoid health problems
- Pupils are encouraged to drink adequate levels of water before and
during school. This results in fewer headaches and better concentration.
Being able to use good quality toilets when they need to is
intrinsically linked to good drinking habits
- Pupils are more energetic (constipation and dehydration sap energy)
- Stress levels are lowered when pupils have control over responding
to their bodily needs
- Attendance is improved through improved standards of cleanliness
resulting in fewer illnesses (such as gastroenteritis or flu) and fewer
health problems (such as urine infections or constipation)
- A feeling of greater equality and less division of "us and them"
results when the environment is closer to the comforts of adult working
environments
- This feeling is also created when teachers and pupils work in
partnership to improve the toilets
- Develops a school environment for pupils that is humane and
conducive to learning
- The school environment will be more attractive to existing and
prospective staff and pupils
- More positive school ethos and atmosphere
- More respect from pupils, if pupils feel that teachers care for
their health and well being.
- Being allowed to go to a decent toilet when the need arises results
in greater self-esteem amongst pupils
- Pupils feel valued and respected by teachers, which improves their
behaviour
- Better behaviour is enhanced if pupils feel teachers are willing to
trust them (such as by allowing pupils to decide when they need to go to
the toilet)
- Parents, visitors, staff and pupils can feel proud of the school
when they see improvements in the toilets
- Attractive and hygienic pupils’ toilets project a positive image of
the school
- Pupils are encouraged to feel ownership of their toilets if involved
in their management. Ofsted now expects schools to
demonstrate how they are contributing to the five national outcomes for
children stipulated by Every Child Matters and the Children Act 2004 –
being healthy; staying safe, enjoying and achieving; making a positive
contribution; and economic well-being. Easy access to clean and
well-maintained toilet facilities access can be incorporated into the
first four criteria.
- The promotion of easy access to clean and well-maintained toilets is
part of a whole school approach to promoting physical and mental health
and provides excellent opportunities to use a school-approach involving
the whole school community. School toilets can be incorporated into all
the Healthy School criteria of:
- Personal, social and health education
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Emotional health and well-being (including bullying).
- Toilet issues link naturally to the curriculum, and can be discussed
in PSHE and Citizenship classes
- Links can be forged with local businesses (by requesting
sponsorship, discounted products, or help with fundraising)
- Positive media coverage can be generated by improvements to the
school toilets
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