[name of the school]
[address of the school]

For the attention of [headteacher’s name]

Dear [name of headteacher]

Bog Standard – Better toilets for pupils

I am the parent/guardian of [name of pupil] who is in Year [x] at [name of your school]. I am writing to you because I am concerned about the standard of the pupils’ toilets/because I am concerned that children are not permitted to go to the toilet when they need to. [Select as appropriate] name of school]. Improving toilet provision is part of the board of governors’ responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the pupils (Education Act 2002). I believe that improving their welfare will also assist in helping to raise standards of pupil achievement.

I have been made aware that the pupils’ toilets at [name of school] are very unpleasant. Problems the pupils face include:
[Add as many of these as are applicable, and try to be specific. We have just made brief suggestions]
1. [Lack of cleanliness, e.g. dirty toilets, smells]
2. [Insufficient privacy, e.g. some/all toilets have no/broken locks]
3. [Inadequate supplies, e.g. no/not enough toilet paper, soap or towels]
4. [Restricted access, e.g. not being permitted to go during class time/access restricted during breaks]
5. [Maintenance problems, e.g. toilet seats missing/broken]
6. [Problems involving other pupils, e.g. bullies]

Some pupils, including [name of pupil], are reluctant or even refuse to go to the toilet at school, because of these issues. This can lead to poor drinking and toileting practices which can result in a number of health problems:

1. Not drinking enough and becoming dehydrated can cause headaches, fatigue and poorer concentration as well as bladder and bowel problems, urinary and kidney infections.
2. Drinking most of their fluid intake when they get home, which can result in bedwetting.
3. Not going to the toilet when they need to. This can result in a number of conditions, including urinary and kidney infections, constipation and soiling.

[If you are enclosing a factsheet on water, toilets and health, mention it here].

Providing high quality, well-maintained toilet facilities should be integrally linked to the National Healthy School Standard programme, particularly the emotional health and wellbeing theme, and the Healthy Living Blueprint.

I am requesting that you make a commitment to put school toilet improvement high on the school’s list of priorities. I would like the school to develop a School Toilet Policy and work with pupils to implement this. [If you are able to assist in any way, say so here and be clear about what you are prepared to do, e.g. fundraise, provide further information etc. Provide your phone number and/or e-mail address if appropriate]

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to receiving your response about this important issue.

Yours sincerely,

[your name]

cc Chair of the Governors