St Austell parents share views on 'controversial' school rules
Penrice school says rules are in place to maximise learning time and minimise disruption
Parents in St Austell have shared their views on longstanding 'school rules' which include required toilet passes and no coats in the corridor.
Some of the rules, as outlined by Penrice Academy, include only going to the bathroom outside of lesson time and requesting passes ahead of time.
A Mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us: "It's just basic human rights. You can't control when you need to go to the bathroom. As an adult, if I need the loo anywhere, I'd just get up and go.
"My daughter was on her period and she asked the teacher to go to the toilet. He refused two times, she asked again and on the third time she decided to go anyway.
"That was three points and an hour detention".
The school told us 'red card period passes' can be requested ahead of time for pupils to keep in their bags and use when required. They also shared with all parents in a newsletter the "long-standing school expectations regarding coats in corridors and access to toilets during lesson time".
Another parent said: "You've got kids who are of teenage age who do have these passes it sort of singles them out a bit. It makes other kids aware that they have got an issue.
"If someone overhears that, kids are kids, they're going to use things against you. I don't have to ask if I can go to the toilet, I don't know anyone that does. Just give them that little bit of trust. I think it's ridiculous".
Ms Lucy Gambier, Headteacher of Penrice Academy, said in a statement:
"All students are encouraged to wear coats on site at breaktimes and whenever they are outside a school building walking to another lesson. We primarily ask that coats are removed once indoors so that students can represent the school with pride in their full uniform.
"Maximise learning time and minimise disruption"
"Penrice students are welcome to use the toilet facilities at the start of the day, in between lessons, at breaktimes, lunchtimes, and at the end of the day. This equates to 6 opportunities throughout the day, spaced no more than 75 minutes apart at any one time. This policy is in place to maximise learning time and minimise disruption to teaching. There are, of course, exceptions such as medical conditions and unexpected arrival of periods; toilet passes can be obtained by students who require flexibility or peace of mind".
In a recent parent newsletter, a message was shared on 'period passes' which is in place for female Penrice students. Mr James Hammersley – Assistant Headteacher - wrote:
"Flexibility or peace of mind"
"In addition to last week’s message regarding toilets, we are taking this opportunity to remind all female students about our available red card period passes via their tutors in the near future.
"We understand that girls cannot always plan for the arrival of their periods which may take place during lessons. With this in mind, girls can request red period pass cards via their tutors which they can keep in their bags to use when required. This system has always proven successful, and many Penrice girls already know of and make use of the cards.
"Crucially, this system operates on trust, and is monitored to ensure that the cards are used appropriately".