Education written question – answered at on 28 February 2012.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment has been made of the effects of the standard of school toilet and washing facilities on children's levels of health and education.
The Department has not made such an assessment, but it does set standards for toilet and washing facilities, which form part of the school premises regulations. Proposals for revising these regulations have recently been consulted upon. The proposals stress that suitable toilet and washing facilities must be provided for the sole use of pupils, having regard to their ages, number and sex and any special requirements that they may have.
In both the existing and proposed regulations there are wider requirements for pupils' welfare. These include a specific standard for health, safety and welfare. In the proposed regulations the requirement is that:
“school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein must be maintained to a standard such that, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of the pupils is ensured”.
We believe that this provides a sufficient safeguard in this area.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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