Introduce new statutory standards for toilet access and lunchtime in schools
We call on the UK Government to introduce legislation and statutory guidance guaranteeing every pupil can use the toilet and eat lunch during the school day with dignity and adequate time. This should set enforceable minimum standards for toilet provision, privacy, and lunchtime access.
Signatures
41
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 41/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 41/100,000
- 27 APR 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Gary Crowhurst
Background
Using the toilet and eating lunch are not privileges; they are fundamental to a child's dignity, health, and ability to learn. Yet some schools fall below DfE toilet-to-pupil ratios, restrict access, or reduce privacy. Many pupils queue for much of their lunch break, leaving little time to eat. We ask for enforceable standards to ensure schools meet minimum toilet provision, maintain private facilities, provide reliable toilet access, and give every pupil sufficient time to obtain and eat a meal.