Sanitary towel provision and disposal in primary schools

This study was designed to look at arrangements for menstruating girls in primary schools. We report the results of a questionnaire sent to the head teachers of 344 randomly selected primary schools throughout the UK. Although sanitary towels were available in 90% of schools, most girls had to ask an adult for a towel. Almost 60% of schools had disposal facilities, but in only 43% were facilities situated within individual toilet cubicles. The deficiencies identified in provision for girls in primary schools should be addressed.