At Bloody Good Period, we believe everyone who menstruates deserves dignity, respect, and support—especially in schools. No student should have to justify or prove the effects of menstruation to access basic needs like toilet facilities or be penalised for period pain. Unfortunately, many schools still enforce outdated and discriminatory policies around menstruation, which can have a harmful impact on young people’s wellbeing.
If you're a parent facing unfair school policies related to menstruation, we've put together this guide to help you challenge these rules and advocate for your child's right to be treated with respect.
Step 1: Raise Awareness and Gather Support
The first step is to ensure that you are not alone in your concerns. Speak to other parents, carers, and students who might share similar frustrations. The more voices you gather, the stronger your case will be when you approach the school or governing body.
Step 2: Document Your Concerns
Make your concerns clear in writing. Draft a letter to the school outlining why the current policies are harmful and discriminatory. Here’s what you can include:
How the policy affects your child and other students.
Why requiring proof of period-related pain is harmful and unnecessary.
The need for students to have free and unmonitored access to toilets during menstruation.
Use real-life examples, if possible, and emphasise that menstruation is a natural biological process that should not be stigmatised.
Step 3: Reference Recent Cases and Policies
Leverage examples of similar cases to strengthen your argument. For instance, refer to Neale-Wade Academy’s recent decision to reverse its period pain policy, which received significant media attention following public pressure. You can reference articles such as this one on BBC News, which shows how public outcry can lead to positive change.
You can also highlight the Department for Education’s guidance, which doesn’t require students to present medical notes for period pain absences, as the school may be acting against official guidance.
Step 4: Request a Policy Review
In your communications, ask the school to review their policies on menstruation and absences in consultation with menstrual health experts. Emphasise that blanket policies do not account for the varied experiences of menstruation and may unintentionally discriminate against girls and people who menstruate.
You can suggest that the school:
Provide unrestricted toilet access during menstruation.
Accept period pain as a valid reason for absence without requiring medical evidence.
Educate staff and students about menstruation to reduce stigma.
Step 5: Address Unfair Absence Policies
Explain that dismissing period pain as a valid reason for absence is harmful, especially when some students may have undiagnosed conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. Even for those without these conditions, period pain can be severe and debilitating, and should be treated with the same seriousness as any other health condition.
Looking Ahead: What Bloody Good Period is Doing
We know that this is a systemic issue, and ending period stigma is something we’ll continue to address as part of our mission to fight for menstrual equity. We believe no one, no student should be penalised or made to feel ashamed of their period. If you want to be part of the change, keep raising your voice—and we’ll keep supporting you along the way.
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