A 14-year-old boy with a diagnosed medical condition has been kept out of school after being denied toilet access during lessons. Bailey Wood, a Year 10 pupil at St George's School in Blackpool, requires urgent toilet access due to a urological condition managed by Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
Despite Bailey having no issues accessing toilets in previous school years, a policy change at the start of this term now prevents him from leaving class. The teenager has an outstanding behaviour record and received recognition for accumulating zero negative behaviour points throughout Year 9.
Hospital documentation ignored
Alder Hey Children's Hospital provided an updated medical letter detailing Bailey's urgent needs. The letter states Bailey experiences sudden urgency with little or no warning and can become very anxious about toilet access at school.
The hospital's urology team specifically requested Bailey receive a toilet pass for immediate access when required. Bailey's mother Macala, a charity worker, said three different teachers refused to acknowledge the medical letter the day after it was presented.
Limited afternoon-only access offered
The school offered Bailey an afternoon-only toilet pass, which his parents rejected as inadequate. Macala questioned: "Where's the logic in that? Does Bailey not need the toilet in the morning? If he needs to go, he needs to go."
She explained the impossible situation this creates: "It's putting him in an embarrassing situation, he'd be worried the whole time that he couldn't go to the toilet and might wet himself." The timing is particularly concerning as Bailey is preparing for his GCSEs.
Parents withdraw child from classes
Bailey's parents decided to keep him home until receiving written confirmation he can access toilets when needed. "My child cannot be at school if he can't access the toilet, it's as simple as that," Macala said.
The family wants Bailey to return to school but insists on proper medical accommodation. Bailey specifically asked his parents to speak up to prevent other children experiencing the same situation.
School claims issue resolved
Headteacher Graham Warnock stated the school doesn't operate a formal toilet pass system and pupils can ask teachers for toilet access at any time. He said a discretion adjustment was put in place following discussion with parents.
However, when Bailey's parents arrived at school reception this week with Bailey ready to attend, they were told a confirmation letter might take several days to produce. Bailey continues to remain away from classes while the dispute continues.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Star", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
