Restricting toilet access has had 'noticeable impact' on behaviour issues

Headteacher updates parents after bringing in new rules

Restricting access to toilets at Ballakermeen High School during lesson times has had a ‘noticeable impact’ on behaviour issues and truancy.

That’s the verdict of the headmaster who has written to parents and carers outlining the results of his new rules.

However there has still been 1900 toilet visits during lesson times over the last two weeks resulting in an average of 158 hours of lost learning time.

Restrictions

Earlier this month students were told they were not allowed to leave lessons to go to the toilet unless they had a medical issue or it was an ‘extraordinary situation’.

This was due to anti-social behaviour, damage to the facilities and the loss of learning time.

However the decision, and the increased supervision implemented to enforce it, led to criticism from parents and students.

You can find out more HERE.

Results

Today (28 March) parents have been told the school has ‘no desire to maintain such an extensive schedule of monitoring and supervision’.

In his letter Headteacher Graeme Corrin wrote: “It is not the best use of our staff resources and, more fundamentally, should not be necessary in a school that is built on a foundation of genuine mutual respect.

“Unfortunately, we have work to do to attain this and as a result, have had to take action. It would be wrong not to do so.”

However Mr Corrin adds that due to the action taken there has been a ‘remarkable reduction’ in the number of toilet based behavioural issues and instances of truancy have ‘plummeted’.

This includes:

• Only two recorded incidents of multiple occupancy of toilet cubicles in the last two weeks
• No reported instances of bullying or intimidation
• Damage to the toilets recorded on one occasion

Revised Approach

Students who make repeated visits to the toilet from lessons during the day will be the focus of the revised approach after Easter.

In addition the following changes will be made:

• Student planners will have to be presented to the teacher if a child wishes to leave the class and the time will be added
• The class teacher will record toilet requests on the school’s behaviour log so that they can be monitored – no behaviour points will be registered
• Year 7/8 toilets will be available during lessons, students will not be required to sign in but planners will be stamped to avoid excessive time out of lesson
• Class teachers will check planners are stamped upon return to lessons to confirm they’ve been to the toilet
• Additional toilets will be opened and supervised at break time

The headteacher concluded his letter by thanking parents and carers for their 'continued support'.