A 14-year-old student named Bailey Wood, who has a medical condition requiring urgent access to the toilet, has been restricted from leaving his seat during class at St George’s School in Blackpool. Despite having a good track record of behavior, Bailey’s parents, Macala and Daniel Wood, expressed distress over the sudden change in school policy. The family received a notification that Bailey’s previous toilet pass was no longer valid due to its age, prompting Alder Hey Hospital to issue a new letter emphasizing Bailey’s urgent need for toilet access.
Bailey’s parents were frustrated when the school refused to acknowledge the letter, leading to a situation where Bailey was denied toilet access. Despite attempts to address the issue with the school, the resolution provided only partial access to the toilet. Concerned about their son’s well-being and education, the Woods decided to keep Bailey out of school until a formal agreement regarding his toilet access was reached.
The school’s headteacher, Graham Warnock, emphasized the school’s commitment to the health and welfare of all students. He clarified that while there is no formal toilet pass system in place, students are encouraged to request bathroom breaks as needed during lessons. Acknowledging rare cases where students require special accommodations, Warnock mentioned that adjustments can be made in consultation with parents to ensure the students’ needs are met discreetly and effectively.
The issue remains unresolved as Bailey is kept out of school until an agreement is finalized between the school and his parents. Both parties have engaged in discussions to address the situation. Despite conflicting perspectives, the school maintains that the matter has been resolved and Bailey is welcome to return to school when the agreement is reached.