Why Are Schools Locking Toilets?

Education Minister Julie Edge has said there are always toilets available in Manx schools, after an MHK claimed that a high school had locked five out of its six toilet blocks during break time.

Ms Edge was quizzed on the issue by MHKs after a question from Douglas North MHK David Ashford.

Mr Ashford had circulated, before this week’s Keys sitting, a picture which apparently shows students queuing within a toilet block.

He asked Ms Edge: ‘Is the minister really saying right here to this house, on record in Hansard, that toilet blocks are not being locked, that the high schools on our island have adequate student facilities in use at all times and that basically every parent who has raised a concern and all of those pupils who are living the experience day to day are completely and utterly incorrect? Because that is what the minister is saying.’

In response, Ms Edge said: ‘No schools lock all toilet facilities on site at one time, but schools do have to manage the toilet blocks due to vandalism etc around the schools. However, they make sure the students are aware which toilet blocks are accessible and vandalism could take place now and a school toilet could get locked.’

The former CoMin colleagues continued to argue over whether or not the toilets in the photograph were in use or not or whether it was students congregating in the toilets. However, without seeing the pic, we are unable to say one way or another.

Hear the full exchange below: