Powys' Ysgol Llanfyllin explains new unisex toilets

Washrooms and toilet facilities that were described as being in a “very poor condition” have been refurbished as unisex bathrooms at Ysgol Llanfyllin - with the school clarifying that it still also has single sex bathrooms.

However, a petition has been launched demanding that the new block be separated into male and female facilities, which has attracted more than 200 signatures.

Having received complaints from students about the damaged tiling, flooring and cubicles of the old toilets, the school worked alongside pupils in the school council in designing the facilities, which were completed “on time and on schedule” over the summer.

Headteacher Dewi Owen said: “We wanted to create a modern, clean and safe space for all our students. We worked with Powys County Council to make the new washroom facility a more open and less intimidating space for all students.

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“Our student council worked with the school and local authority on the design of the facilities. The students regularly brought complaints to council meetings about the poor state of the toilets.

“Many pupils complained that old toilets were outdated, unhygienic and a hub for anti-social behaviour. Some students elected not to use those toilets at all during the school day, a situation which was totally unacceptable.”

(Image: Ysgol Llanfyllin)

The new facilities feature full height cubicles to maximise privacy for pupils in both areas of the room, two communal wash areas fitted with brand new soap dispensers, mirrors and Dyson Air Blade hand dryers.

The petition demanding the new facility be changed says: “Pupils returned to school to find themselves having to use the unisex facilities and many of them had not been consulted about the changes. Parents were also not aware that the school was planning to do this over the holidays.

“Many children do not feel comfortable using these facilities. Young girls are embarrassed, vulnerable and uncomfortable with many starting puberty, having to deal with their 'time of the month' whilst in a cubicle next to a boy. Then having to exit cubicles to wash their hands in the unisex basins next to a boy.”

The school said the new toilets will exist alongside the other single sex and disabled toilet facilities contained within the school building, meaning students can reportedly choose to use either the new facilities or the existing, single-sex toilets which have not been changed.

(Image: Ysgol Llanfyllin)

A spokesperson for Powys County Council added: “The council provides full privacy to children using school toilets.

"Toilets are identified as gender specific, with most handwashing outside of WC cubicles.

“All new school designs are carefully developed in consultation with the individual school bodies, including pupils, and lessons learnt from earlier projects influence later designs.”