Back to School
📚 Back to School – But What About the Toilets?
As children across the UK return to school this week, thousands face a hidden challenge: poor toilet provision.
🚽 The facts in the UK:
- Around 1.5 million children and young people live with bowel or bladder conditions. (ERIC, the children’s bowel and bladder charity)
- Nearly 50% of pupils report not being allowed to use the toilet during lessons. (ERIC survey, 2023)
- Over a third (36.6%) of children say they avoid drinking water during the school day, just to reduce the need to go.
- Hospital admissions for constipation among primary-age children have risen by 60% over the past decade, with over 44,000 admissions last year alone. (NHS figures)
❌ When toilets are dirty, broken, or access is restricted, children often “hold on.” This can lead to urinary tract infections, constipation, pain, embarrassment, missed school days, and long-term health issues.
At the Loo of the Year Awards, we know toilets are about so much more than facilities — they are about dignity, health, and wellbeing. That is why we continue to champion higher standards across the UK, from schools to workplaces and public spaces.
This back-to-school season, let us remember: a safe, clean toilet is as essential as pens and books. Every child deserves the right to go when they need to.
👉 Learn more and access resources at ERIC – The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity at https://eric.org.uk
