A school near Swindon has defended its decision to lock the toilets during lesson time.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy has limited access to the facilities following reports of property damage.

Headteacher Anita Ellis says the measure has improved pupil safety and kept the toilets tidier.

However, a national charity called Eric has urged the government to look again at how schools decide rules around pupils' access to toilets.

A spokesman said: “Access to clean, appropriately stocked toilets whenever the need arises, is a fundamental human right and necessary for good health and wellbeing.

“No school should have a policy of not allowing learners to use the toilet during lesson times.

“Banning toilet breaks during lessons or restricting access to the toilets can aggravate or even create continence problems.

“Consequences can include soiling and wetting accidents in the classroom, urinary tract infections, withholding which can lead to constipation, children reducing the amount they either eat or drink, de-hydration, and lack of concentration.”

RWBA allows for changes to its policy for people with additional needs or conditions.

Anita Ellis added: “The toilets are and always have been open at the start of the day, end of the day, at break and lunch time.

“Students can ask to go to the toilets during a lesson but we encourage that they go if absolutely needed at the start and end of the lesson.

“During the lesson is not encouraged as it disrupts the learning and flow of the lesson and inevitably impacts on the learning and progress of the students.

“We have experienced some toilet damage and some behaviours that are not in line with our school’s values and so we have taken the decision to lock the toilets during lesson time.

“They can be opened with a key from a member of staff.

“This has dramatically reduced damage and congregating in toilets so that students continue to feel safe in the toilets.

“They have also reported to us that the toilets are cleaner and tidier to use since these strategies have been put in place.

“We also consider the needs of neuro-diverse students and those with medical needs and we take a slightly different approach to toilet access for these students.

“We continue to work hard to ensure that there are anxieties around toilet access but we do have to balance this with limiting the cost of damage to school property, interruptions to students’ learning and student’s feeling safe everywhere in the school.”