22 March 2024 , 13:57
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'Metal cages' have been installed at a school to 'stop children using the toilet during lessons'.
Students have reportedly been 'stopped' from using the toilets at the secondary school, with families claiming metal bars have now been installed. Parents likened the new installation at Foxford Community School in Coventry to 'cages'.
Pupils are now unable to use the toilets during lessons and can only use them while being supervised, it has been claimed. Many have been left 'outraged' by the move with one describing it as 'disgusting'.
Grandparent Ian Ward claimed that the 'cage doors' were installed on Wednesday, March 6. He said his grandchildren have been left 'upset' over the change and slammed the move as 'wrong'.
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Ian said the change was implemented on Wednesday, March 6 (CoventryLive)Ian, 54, told Coventry Live: "Foxford has for a while kept the toilet doors locked preventing the kids from using the toilets and 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."
He continued: "Kids are only allowed to go to the toilet under supervision which is wrong. It is taking away the freedom of being able to use the toilet as and when you need it."
"What if a child is on their period or has problems holding for a long time? I understand they have problems with kids in toilets, but to put metal doors on them is just going too far."
He added: "It's taking away their right to use the toilet when they need it. What if a kid is on their period or has problems holding on for a long time? I know they have issues with kids in toilets, but to put metal doors on them is just too much."
Ian, a local grandfather with six grandchildren at the school, labelled the decision as "disgusting". He said: "School is supposed to be a safe place for kids and it is supposed to be a relaxed environment, but how it is a relaxed environment when they are locked up? ".
He said his grandkids were 'upset' about the change, which he states has been forced onto every year group from Year 7 to Year 11. The school chiefs reportedly imposed this change due to some 'issues with students in the toilets'.
"I think there are other ways of controlling that by having somebody sit by the toilets at certain times, and if there is a problem then someone is close by, there is no need to lock them and say you are not using them," Ian commented.
A school spokesperson said: "We have recently installed metal doors to two toilet areas, these are not cages and the doors are unlocked before and after school, as well as at break and lunchtimes."