My child, along with many others at De Aston School, is facing unnecessary hardship due to the current toilet restrictions, meaning they are locked during lessons and only available at break times. Denying children unrestricted access to toilet facilities during school hours is not just inconvenient—it poses significant risks to their health and overall well-being.

Using the toilet is a basic human right, as essential as breathing fresh air or having access to clean water. No child should have to endure discomfort or jeopardize their health simply because of restrictive policies. Requiring medical notes only adds an unnecessary layer of stress and humiliation for young students who may already be struggling with health conditions, both diagnosed and undiagnosed.

This issue has left a mark on my child, both physically, through frequent urinary tract infections, and mentally, with feelings of anxiety around school time. This is not an isolated incident, but rather a widespread issue affecting numerous students—and it is entirely preventable.

Research published by reputable organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicates that holding in urine for extended periods can lead to serious health issues, such as urinary tract infections and kidney problems. Moreover, the British Medical Journal has highlighted the mental toll such policies can have on children, affecting their focus, well-being, and school performance.

Therefore, we call on De Aston School to recognize these challenges and scrap the current toilet restrictions. Instead, we propose implementing a policy that allows students free access to the toilet during school time without the need for medical documentation, while maintaining reasonable boundaries to ensure minimal classroom disruption.

I urge other parents, educators, and community members to understand the gravity of this issue and stand with us in advocating for a change that prioritizes the health and dignity of every child. Let's ensure our school is a supportive environment where the basic needs of students are met.

Please join us in signing this petition to prompt De Aston School to revise their current toilet access policy, ensuring a healthier and stress-free environment for our children.