Spotlight on... Toilets
We want every pupil at Swanmore College to feel comfortable using our toilet facilities. Through conversations with pupils, parents/carers and staff, we know that concerns around cleanliness, misuse of facilities and supervision can sometimes discourage pupils from using them.
This Spotlight explains the improvements we have made to our toilet facilities, our new toilet procedure and how we are working to create a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment for everyone.
Some facts for you
- All pupil toilets were repaired and refreshed over the summer holidays.
- We have appointed a dedicated Toilet Supervisor to help keep facilities clean, well maintained and welcoming throughout the day.
- During lessons, the boys' and girls' toilets in M Block are the designated facilities.
- Between lessons, pupils can use the toilets in M Block and the outside toilet block next to the tennis courts, with supervision in place.
- Pupils with an authorised toilet pass can continue to access facilities as usual.
- We are continuing to monitor our new arrangements and listen to feedback from pupils, parents/carers and staff.
The biggest challenge
We know that some pupils have previously found using the toilets an unpleasant experience. Concerns about cleanliness, misuse of facilities and a lack of supervision can make pupils reluctant to use them during the College day.
Our challenge is to ensure that every pupil feels comfortable accessing clean, safe and well-maintained facilities, while reducing unnecessary disruption to learning.
What improvements have we made?
Over the 2026 summer holidays, all pupil toilets were repaired and refreshed to improve the facilities available to pupils.
We have also introduced a dedicated Toilet Supervisor, whose role is to:
- Help ensure toilet facilities remain clean and welcoming throughout the day
- Monitor the condition of facilities and identify maintenance issues
- Provide additional supervision to discourage misuse of facilities
- Help create a more positive experience for pupils using the toilets
How does the new toilet procedure work?
Alongside these improvements, we have introduced a new toilet procedure to ensure facilities are appropriately supervised while minimising disruption to learning.
- During lessons: All pupil toilets are locked except for the boys' and girls' toilets in M Block.
- Between lessons: Pupils can use the toilets in M Block and the outside toilet block next to the tennis courts, with supervision in place.
- During the first and last ten minutes of lessons: Pupils are asked not to use the toilets except in exceptional circumstances.
- Pupils with an authorised toilet pass: These pupils can continue to access the facilities as usual.
- Pupils who need to use the toilet during a lesson: If a pupil without a toilet pass genuinely needs to use the toilet, a member of staff will escort them to and from the designated facilities.
Pupils are encouraged to use the toilets between lessons and during breaktimes and lunchtimes wherever possible.
How can you help?
Parents and carers can help by:
- Encouraging pupils to use the toilets between lessons and during breaktimes and lunchtimes wherever possible
- Reminding pupils of the importance of keeping shared facilities clean and treating them with respect
- Encouraging pupils to report any concerns about the condition or misuse of toilet facilities to a member of staff
- Contacting the College if their child has any concerns about accessing the toilets
Our commitment to pupils
Every pupil should feel comfortable using the toilets during the College day. Our refreshed facilities, dedicated Toilet Supervisor and new procedure are all part of our commitment to making this possible.
We will continue to monitor the arrangements and listen to feedback from pupils, parents/carers and staff to ensure they are working effectively.
Our aim is simple: clean, safe and welcoming toilet facilities that every pupil feels comfortable using.
If you would like more information, have a query about this ‘Spotlight’, or would like to request a focus for a future ‘Spotlight’, please email: spotlight@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk