School ‘shuts off lavatories with metal doors during lesson time’

A school has installed metal bar doors to its lavatory areas in a move one parent claimed was to prevent students from using the bathroom during lesson time.

Foxford Community School in Longford, Coventry, has insisted pupils “are not prevented from using the toilets at any stage during the day”, although the conditions for allowing them to use the bathrooms are unclear.

MailOnline reported that a school spokesman had said the doors were unlocked “before and after school, as well as at break and lunchtimes”.

One concerned grandfather has described the installation as “totally wrong” and claimed that children could only use the facilities with supervision during lesson time.

Ian Ward, whose grandchildren attend the school, told the website: “Now they have fitted locked cage doors to prevent the kids from even getting near the toilets and have said the kids can only use the toilets during break times but not during lessons.

“Kids are only allowed to go to the toilet under supervision, which is totally wrong. It is taking away the freedom of being able to use the toilet as and when you need it.

“School is supposed to be a safe place for kids and it is supposed to be a relaxed environment, but how is it a relaxed environment when they are locked up?”

Better ways to solve issue

Many others have been outraged by the decision, labelling it “disgusting” and “totally wrong”, according to the news outlet.

Mr Ward said that the “cage doors” were fitted on March 6 to two of the school’s lavatory areas.

The move has allegedly been enforced on pupils in every year group from years seven to 11, which Mr Ward said had created “upset” for all six of his grandchildren.

The doors are reported to have been introduced following issues with students in the lavatories, although Mr Ward said there were better ways to prevent such problems.

He said: “I think there are other ways of controlling that by having somebody sit by the toilets at certain times.”

A spokesman for Foxford Community School told The Telegraph: “Foxford students are not prevented from using the toilets at any stage of the day.”

Castle Phoenix Trust, the academy school’s sponsor, has been contacted for comment.