Petitions/Introduce new statutory standards for toilet access and lunchtime in schools
StatusOngoing
Opened27 Apr 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

We call on the UK Government to introduce legislation and statutory guidance guaranteeing every pupil can use the toilet and eat lunch during the school day with dignity and adequate time. This should set enforceable minimum standards for toilet provision, privacy, and lunchtime access.

Using the toilet and eating lunch are not privileges; they are fundamental to a child's dignity, health, and ability to learn. Yet some schools fall below DfE toilet-to-pupil ratios, restrict access, or reduce privacy. Many pupils queue for much of their lunch break, leaving little time to eat. We ask for enforceable standards to ensure schools meet minimum toilet provision, maintain private facilities, provide reliable toilet access, and give every pupil sufficient time to obtain and eat a meal.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Josh Babarinde
1Josh Babarinde MP
Eastbourne
5
Dr Kieran Mullan
2Dr Kieran Mullan MP
Bexhill and Battle
3
Sonia Kumar
3Sonia Kumar MP
Dudley
3
Valerie Vaz
4Valerie Vaz MP
Walsall and Bloxwich
3
Laurence Turner
5Laurence Turner MP
Birmingham Northfield
2
Bradley Thomas
6Bradley Thomas MP
Bromsgrove
2
Tristan Osborne
7Tristan Osborne MP
Chatham and Aylesford
2
Taiwo Owatemi
8Taiwo Owatemi MP
Coventry North West
2
Darren Jones
9Darren Jones MP
Bristol North West
1
Josh Newbury
10Josh Newbury MP
Cannock Chase
1