Shocked dad rages at school amid claims pupils are banned from toilet breaks in lessons

A parent at North Cestrian School in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, has slammed his child’s school which he claims has stopped pupils from taking loo breaks during lessons.

The father claims a rule was brought in after several pupils were "taking advantage and messing around" by telling teachers they needed a toilet break even if they did not.

He says pupils have been told that only one toilet near the reception area remains unlocked during lessons.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, a father of a Year 7 pupil said a number of parents were unhappy with the situation with some even threatening to remove pupils.

"I think it's absolutely ridiculous and I know a couple of parents are thinking of taking their children out of the school unless it changes within a month," he told MEN, adding the reaction was "totalitarian" and "overly disciplinarian".

He went on to say: "What they should do is deal with the few who are maybe the problem children and educate them accordingly, not take the easier route and say 'right none of you can go.'

"It interrupts the brain's natural signals and if my daughter is there for five years at such a crucial stage in her development, who knows what long term side effects there might be for her and other pupils."

The school's Headteacher Lee Bergin said: "Children are encouraged to go to the toilet at break times to avoid disruption to lessons. They are encouraged to regulate themselves accordingly. Teaching staff will remind pupils of this during lessons.

"Where there is a strong urge to go to the toilet, this is allowed. Of course it is. Any child with medical need has a discreet pass to allow them to go to the toilet when required."

Mr Bergin claimed he had "received only one communication from a parent seeking clarification" on the issue.