Bog Standard - Information section

Promoting better toilets for pupils

Case Studies

Read about how some of the schools have successfully improved their toilets, by:

The school council at Manor High School helped renovate their toilets and took the decision, after consultation with pupils, to install CCTV cameras.

"It's reduced anti-social behaviour to nothing; graffiti to virtually nil, and the pupils themselves now feel confident about going into the toilets."

Bog Standard response:

It's important to note that the decision to install CCTV cameras was not a decision imposed on the pupls by the staff, but a decision by the pupils. Involving pupils in this decision was vital to avoid the potential upset caused by the introduction of CCTV cameras.

Rookery Primary School, Birmingham, recognised that facilities for the juniors were unsuitable and not what the pupils had previously been used to.
• Pupils were involved in choosing paint, flooring and fixtures along with the overall design
• The toilets were successfully refurbished
• Through assemblies, the headteacher highlighted the appropriate behaviour for pupils in all toilet areas
• The involvement of pupils in the toilet refurbishment also had a positive impact on their behaviour
• The school has planned a poster competition as part of their ‘Healthy Lifestyle Week,’ focusing on the importance of washing hands after using the toilet. The winning posters will be framed and displayed in the toilet areas.

Southwell Primary School, Portland, Dorset.
Headteacher Stuart McLeod writes, "Our kids generally respect their loos because we've put them in charge of them. The Year 6 pupils go around and do a weekly spot - check to see which is the cleanest toilet. There is an award, which is given out in assembly for Best Girls and Best Boys loo. We have three boys and three girls’ loos altogether.’ At Southwell School, the pupils were expected to take almost complete responsibility for refurbishing their toilets. From calling the bathroom suppliers to arrange a visit, to working out the sizes of cubicles and choosing the colour. This has made the school council realise the cost and effort needed to keep facilities in good working order, and it has made a real difference.

Talking Toilets