Back story
In last month’s spring statement it was announced that the DfE is committed to secondary school girls having access to sanitary products.
Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said:
- This Government is determined to ensure that no-one should be held back from reaching their potential – and wants everyone to lead active, healthy, happy lives.
- After speaking to parents, teachers and pupils, we are now extending [our free sanitary scheme] to more than 20,000 primary schools so that every young person in all our schools and colleges gets the support that they need.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education
The pledge comes as part of the new reformed Relationships, Sex and Health Education and a government-wide wide push to end period poverty.
Isla, 19, a member of Girlguiding’s panel of Advocates, said:
A third (30%) of girls aged 11-21 told Girlguiding they have missed school or college because of their period. That’s unacceptable. Every girl should have access to something so basic – and I am so excited that the government is making sure that they do. Free menstrual products in primary schools will help make period poverty a thing of the past.
It’ll also help break down the stigma girls deal with every month. Too many people think periods are a secret or something to be ashamed of. But giving primary school girls access to tampons and pads will help break the taboo of periods from a young age.
Do you already offer sanitary products to your children? Do you have specific toilets that have sanitary refuse or all girls toilets? Leave a comment on our groups.
Popular topics this week (Thanks to our group members!)
- Doing an Inset on how to administer the SATs - any top tips? - Primary School Leaders
- D.Hinds expresses his views on the importance of SATs - it has not gone down well! - Primary School Leaders
- Losing the will to be in education - 95 supportive comments!- Primary School Leaders
- How much money do schools put in their budget for CPD - Primary School Leaders
- Wellbeing - sanitary honesty box - Primary School Leaders
- Can a parent decide if their child takes the SATs due to mental health or is it just down to the HT? - Primary School Leaders
As ever, please leave any thoughts in the comments below and have a great week.
Join the conversation on our Facebook groups using the links below: