education

Schools to offer free tampons and sanitary towels to beat period poverty

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Girls in secondary schools in England will now have access to free period products (Picture: Getty)

Free tampons and sanitary towels will be available at all state schools and colleges in England from next week, the government has said.

Education ministers say the scheme means pupils won’t have to miss out on lessons due to their period and will help break down stigma.

Schools will be able to order a range of sanitary products, including eco-friendly options.

Campaigners had raised concerns that female pupils from lower-income families could be forced to miss class if they can’t afford sanitary products.

One in 10 women aged 14-21 were unable to afford them while 12% had to improvise their protection, according to 2017 figures from the Plan International charity.

Children and families minister Michelle Donelan said: ‘Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them.

‘We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them.

‘This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can’t afford the products they need.’

Amika George, founder of the #FreePeriods campaign group, said the scheme would wipe out period worries among children ‘for the first time in history’.

She added: ‘We ask that schools have open conversations with students about what they need and start signing up to the scheme – no child must miss out.

‘Free products in schools will ensure that every child can learn and be their very best, without periods holding them back.’

The Treasury first announced plans to fund free sanitary products in secondary schools England last year, but this was later widened to include primary schools.

The Scottish and Welsh devolved governments have each said they will make period products free in their schools. Scotland will also give universities access to the scheme.

Health education is due to become compulsory in state schools later this year.



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