Letter from Mr Young 12.04.24
Dear Parents /Carers,
Over the last two years more than £100,000 of public money has had to be used by the school to repair toilets due to mindless vandalism, inappropriate behaviour in toilets that has led to damage caused by our young people who are unable to use toilets appropriately.
As Principal I have therefore decided to take a sensible cost effective approach to support student learning and the sensible use of toilets by limiting the number of toilets available during lesson times. This is an approach that has proved successful in other secondary schools.
Students will have access to toilets throughout the day.
All the currently available toilets will be accessible before school and at break and lunch time. The toilets at break and lunchtime will continue to be supervised by school staff to ensure toilets are used sensibly and appropriately.
There will be a block of toilets available during lesson time that will be accessed with class teacher agreement as has always been the case. These toilets will be monitored to ensure usage once again meets normal standards and expectations. This will also support the school in safeguarding all of our young people even more effectively.
Can I remind students that disabled toilets are provided for those students with disabilities and additional needs not for the general convenience of the student body who already have access to toilets throughout social time and during lessons when agreed by staff members.
As a community our interconnectedness is clear if our actions are negative and carry a significant cost the school will be unable to provide the levels of support and staffing we have done in the past if this situation is allowed to continue. I am certain as parents/ carers and responsible adults you agree with this sensible and proportionate response to an unacceptable situation.
Kind regards
Ian Young
Principal