More than three quarters of state secondary schools and colleges
in England have accessed period products from the free Government
scheme, according to new data
released today (Thursday 21 January).
Since the programme launched in January 2020, 9,702 schools and
colleges have ordered period products, making them free and
available to all their pupils and helping to reduce stigma around
menstruation.
The Government is encouraging all schools and colleges to access
period products through this scheme, as it is the quickest and
simplest way of making sure they are available to everyone who
needs them.
Children and Families Minister
said:
“No pupil should ever have to miss school because of their
period. I am pleased to see over three quarters of secondary
schools and colleges have accessed free period products, but I
want everyone to know this support is available.
“If you are a school or college leader, I urge you to please get
in touch and order these products for your pupils so that
together we can help end period inequality for good.”
New
data published by the Department for Education shows:
- 68% of secondary schools ordered eco-friendly or reusable
products as part of their orders, rising to 80% for colleges.
- Pads accounted for two-thirds (66%) of all products ordered,
while tampons accounted for most of the rest (32%). The total
value of orders by the end of December 2020 was £2,791,000 -
amounting to 48% of the total spend cap for all organisations.
- The number of orders increased steadily between January and
March then remained constant during April and May, when schools
were closed to most pupils due to the pandemic. Orders increased
again in June as schools and colleges began to fully reopen. The
scheme was – and continues to be - open throughout the pandemic.
- In November, for example, schools and colleges placed over
3,000 orders for period products through the scheme.
Warren Edmondson, managing director of supplier phs
Direct said:
“The high number of secondary schools and colleges participating
in the scheme means that a significant proportion of
menstruating-age pupils now have access to free period periods.
It is encouraging that so many have also ordered eco-friendly or
reusable products to provide a more sustainable, long-term
solution which is better for the environment.
“The last year has been unprecedented with widespread closures
across the education sector. Despite this, many have clearly
recognised how important it is to order free period products and
the phs order portal has been open throughout.
“As the scheme has now been extended, we invite all schools and
colleges to order free products now – whether it’s their first or
a repeat order. Deliveries are contactless and can be redirected
to neighbouring schools in the event of closures. We’d urge
anyone that needs support ordering to contact
phs directly.”
The free period product scheme for all young people in English
state schools and colleges has been extended and will continue at
least throughout 2021.
The scheme provides period products to all those who need them,
including students who cannot afford products, have forgotten
them, or come on their period unexpectedly.
The programme, delivered by phs Direct, part of
phs
Group, is designed so that schools can order what they need
and are given the option to order environmentally friendly or
reusable products. Schools are not charged for the products or
for delivery.
Schools and colleges should ensure they are making the products
available and communicating with their students about the
products and how to access the scheme.
This is part of the Government’s drive to end period poverty,
tackle inequality and support disadvantaged children in the
additional challenges they face. At the start of the year the
tampon tax was abolished, meaning from the 1st January
VAT no longer applied to period products.
ENDS
Schools and colleges can order free period products through the
PHS portal. Each will have had an email this month providing
details of how to access the scheme. Practical support and
guidance on the scheme is
available on GOV.UK.
Ms Lesley Grover, Assistant Headteacher (Student
Engagement and Wellbeing) at the Boswells School,
Chelmsford said:
“We have found this scheme to be fantastic and it has helped to
talk more openly about what is still a taboo subject. I think the
range of products is very good , the majority of our girls favour
towels with Year 11 mainly be the ones favouring tampons.
[When school is open to all pupils] “About once
every 6 weeks I hold a pick up session so students can collect
products on their way out of school to take straight home, we
have also put products in the student toilets so if people are
caught short they can have access to towels/tampons.
“I think the main benefit of has been ensuring that our
disadvantaged students have access to free products, this scheme
is a great step in eradicating period poverty.”
