My daughter’s school has BANNED kids from going to the toilet in lessons, I’m terrified of long-term health issues
A FURIOUS dad claims his daughter's school has BANNED kids from going to the toilet during lessons.
The parent said pupils at North Cestrian School in Trafford, Greater Manchester, are not allowed to go the loo because teachers believe they will "take advantage and start messing around".
He claimed youngsters are being locked out of all but one toilet in reception - even if they receive "special permission" to go.
The dad said parents are at the end of their tether, and are considering taking their kids out of the school completely unless things change.
He told : "I think it's absolutely ridiculous and I know a couple of parents are thinking of taking their children out of the school unless it changes within a month."
Describing the school's reaction as “very totalitarian overly disciplinarian,” he added: "What they should do is deal with the few who are maybe the problem children and educate them accordingly, not take the easier route and say 'right none of you can go'."
He now fears that the students - including his daughter - could face long-term health issues.
"There are numerous articles that list the health issues associated with holding on too long," he said.
"It interrupts the brain's natural signals and if my daughter is there for five years at such a crucial stage in her development, who knows what long term side effects there might be for her and other pupils.
"It is wrong on so many levels, it beggars belief really."
The school claims that although teachers encourage students to visit the toilet outside of lesson time, they are not banned if they become desperate during class.
Headteacher Lee Bergin said: "Children are encouraged to go to the toilet at break times to avoid disruption to lessons.
"They are encouraged to regulate themselves accordingly. Teaching staff will remind pupils of this during lessons.
"Where there is a strong urge to go to the toilet, this is allowed. Of course it is.
"Any child with medical need has a discreet pass to allow them to go to the toilet when required."