Furious pupils at a Leeds school are staging a mass protest outside the academy's grounds, refusing to go to lessons, demonstrating against the school's new toilet policy.
Pupils of secondary school The Farnley Academy, in Chapel Lane, have been standing outside this morning (February 24). "Disgusted" parents are supporting their children and say the policy is "taking away their human rights".
In a bid to tackle truancy, the school - which is part of the GORSE Academies Trust - has been locking the toilet doors during lesson times. Only one set of toilets are open for use, where a member of staff stands on guard outside.
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Pupils who need to pay a visit have to get a written note from teachers in their planners, permitting them to use the facilities and then have to hand that note to the staff member outside the toilet. Once the pupil enters, the member of staff remains outside close to the door, according to parents.
The GORSE Academies Trust has said this policy is implemented "to keep all students safe".
Speaking to Leeds Live, parent Natalie Hennessy, who is a nurse and has a son in Year 9, said: "My son, who is a high achiever, is so fed up of the way he's being treated. He says he feels manipulated all the time and the school is like a prison.
"I feel disgusted. The amount of times I've contacted school and it's falling on deaf ears. They're taking away their human rights."
'Madness'
Parents have flooded public Facebook group 'The Farnley Academy Friends', lambasting the toilet policy and echoing Natalie's sentiments. Helen Walker posted: "Well, my daughter has been excluded for going to the toilet yesterday without having a note and she was really desperate. This is beyond a joke. Why are they treating our kids unfair like this?"
Sue Hook posted: "My son has just come home from school, saying they’ve put doors on the entrances to all the toilets and they’re now locked between lessons.
"So if your child needs to go they can’t until break or lunch when they have to join a queue and hope they get in before they’re locked again! Madness."
Ruby Laws vented: "That is an absolute joke. How can they take away basic human rights?!!!"
Chris Croft posted: "I stand with the kids on this one and I'm glad they're protesting the locking of toilets. The embarrassment of asking if and when to use the toilet is just outrageous and against basic human rights!"
'To keep all students safe,' says school
A spokesperson for The GORSE Academies Trust said: "We are aware that some comments are being made in respect of toilets and their availability during the school day.
"To keep all students safe during times when members of staff are not on duty, we have asked students to only use the centrally located toilets during lesson time. These toilets are open during all lesson times, are accessible from all parts of the school, and a member of staff is present to ensure all students are safe.
"During break and lunch, students are then able to use all of the toilets in school. We actively encourage all students to ensure that they go to the toilet before school, at break and at lunch, to avoid needing to go during lesson time. However, the option to use the toilets during lesson time remains available to students where it is needed.
"Additionally, through feedback from our wonderful Student Leadership Team, we are investing a further £100,000 to fully refurbish some of the toilets within the school in the coming months."
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