A Liverpool secondary school has banned pupils using the toilet during classes.
Gateacre School informed parents of its new policy last weekend ahead of the return from the Easter break with stringent measures around the new rules.
Students will be permitted to use the toilets before school, during break and lunch periods as well as after school but explicitly not when lessons are taking place.
Leaders at the south Liverpool school have said that measures are in place in the event that a pupil needs to use the toilet outside during the rest of the school day.
This includes verified medical passes for health conditions, however children will be expected to catch up on any learning missed when they ‘step out of class’.
The school also outlined specific toilet blocks are set to be designated to different year groups with a member of staff stationed outside during each opening time.
“We want to ensure that every student remains focused and fully engaged during their lessons,” read the letter.
“To help minimise disruptions to their learning and ensure student comfort, we provide multiple opportunities and dedicated spaces for students to use the facilities.”
It adds: “We kindly ask for your partnership in encouraging your child to use the toilet facilities during non-lesson time whenever possible.
“This helps them build strong time-management habits and ensures they don’t miss out on vital teacher instruction or class discussions.”
Other rules announced by the school include a blanket ban on mobile phone use and any student using one to arrange collection will be assigned to the ‘Internal Reflection Room’ until 4.40pm.
Children who arrive on site after 9am will be imposed with a same day after-school detention with all pupils expected to be on site by 8.36am during term time.