We had to shell out £22 so our children can use the TOILET at school… it’s inhumane
FUMING parents claim they have been forced to fork out £22 so their kids can use the TOILET at school.
A rule banning students from using the loo during lessons at Marine Academy Plymouth in Devon has outraged mums and dads who say the policy is "inhumane".
Families are now coughing up £22 for a doctor's note, enabling kids to get a toilet pass from teachers.
However, they say students still have to wait for permission to use the loo.
Parents claim the ban causes discomfort for girls on their period - and some are getting urinary tract infections (UTI).
Pupils must instead go to the toilet before school, between lessons, during break times and after school, the school has told families.
Mum Carol Courage, said her daughter, aged 12, blames the rule for her developing urinary tract infections.
Her child has reportedly been refused permission to use the bathroom on multiple occasions, even when she explains she is desperate.
The young woman has subsequently been punished with detentions for ignoring the tough policy.
Carol said: “Even if the girls are on their monthlies or anything and need to use the toilet, even if they say they’re going to leak, they’re not allowed to go.
"Well no, it’s human right to go to the toilet.
"I get if they go in a crowd - that’s different - but if they are going on their own they are going to the toilet. It’s inhumane not to let them use the toilet.
"It’s not just me who thinks this, it’s hundreds of other parents who agree."
Dawn Shepard and Trevor Joyce, who are parents of a 12-year-old girl at the school, said their daughter has also had UTIs - and no longer wants to attend classes there.
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'HORRENDOUS' POLICY
The couple say their daughter dreads going to school due to the "horrendous" policy and believe something should be in place to support for girls.
They said: “Our daughter has got to the stage where she doesn’t want to go school.
"Also to get a doctor's note for our daughter, it takes ages due to the NHS waiting lists at the moment.
“It’s a nightmare because she doesn’t want to go school because the biggest thing on her mind is not being able to use the toilets while she has the infection."
The teenager now has a toilet pass now meaning she can go - but still has to wait for permission.
Marine Academy has said students are able to use the toilets throughout the day, as long as it is not during a lesson.
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Leigh Withers, head teacher of Marine Academy, confirmed students are only able to use the bathroom at set times except in special cases.
She said: "If there is a medical necessity to use the toilet at other times we discuss each case with parents to ensure the best support plan is in place and this may include a toilet pass."
