ASCL comment on free period products

Commenting on the launch of a government scheme to make free period products available to all schools and colleges in England, Julie McCulloch, Director of Policy at the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“We very much welcome this scheme. Schools and colleges are well aware of the plight of girls who cannot afford period products and many already buy and provide them so that pupils don’t end up missing lessons. It is good news that all schools and colleges will now be able to access free period products.

“This issue is one aspect of the wider problem of a rising tide of pupil poverty. Many schools also provide disadvantaged pupils with food and clothes because families are unable to make ends meet. The government must do more to address this desperate situation over the next five years.”