Today, Liberal Democrats will put forward legislation to help ensure pupils have access to toilets during lesson times.
Many girls starting their periods are being denied access to the toilet during school lessons, with some schools even enforcing a blanket ban on children going to the toilet in lesson time.
A survey for Plan International UK found that more than half of girls aged 14-21 had missed class because they were worried about being on their period.
The Bill, put forward by Layla Moran as part of a move by the Liberal Democrats to tackle inequality ahead of International Women’s Day, would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance for state-funded schools, enabling teachers to use their common sense in letting their students go the bathroom during their lessons.
Ahead of presenting the bill, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran said: “Every day, girls at school are being teased, bullied or even humiliated and punished for being on their period. Equally, children with medical conditions face similar stigma.
“That’s why today I’m proposing a new law to support teachers to act flexibly and sensitively when letting children use the toilet. The government should publish compulsory guidance explaining why blanket bans on using the toilet in lesson time is problematic.
“No child should miss out on their education because of their period or a medical condition. I hope to see the Conservatives take forward my bill in supporting all students in getting the education they deserve.”