Toilet Standard Tips
Involve the whole school community
- Involve the whole school, including parents/guardians, in developing and introducing a school toilet management and access policy
- Involve the school cleaners as they understand what needs to be done to help keep the school toilets clean
- Introduce a toilet comments/complaints procedure for students and deal promptly with any issues identified
- Have the school community complete the survey included in this kit to find out what they really think about their school toilets
- Ensure parents/guardians are informed about the program. This could be done via your school newsletter.
Educate students
- Educate students; ideally start when they are young. Provide opportunities to focus on behaviour in toilets such as respecting privacy, leaving the toilets clean and tidy and not hanging around in them
- Work with the students on improvements, behaviour and respect. Take a leap of faith and encourage a whole school policy on unrestricted toilet visits.
Keep toilets clean and well maintained
- Toilets that are clean, odour free and well maintained with working fixtures, fittings and supplies are essential to ensure school toilets are valued and looked after
- It’s important for schools to keep on top of maintenance. People tend to drop less litter in clean places. Make budget allocation a priority for toilet maintenance, cleaning and repairs
- Cleanliness and supplies should be checked regularly throughout the day and checks could be recorded.
Encourage good toilet habits
- Recognise that toileting needs are highly individual and do not conform to school timetables
- Restricting toilet access can have a negative impact on children’s bladder and bowel health. Consistent "holding on" behaviour can lead to constipation and incomplete bladder and bowel emptying.