Free sanitary products for primary schools

The Department for Education has confirmed that it will fully-fund free sanitary products in all primary schools in England from early next year.

The government has already committed to providing free sanitary products for England’s secondary schools and colleges and is now extending the programme to primary schools following feedback from teachers, students and parents.

The DfE is working with key stakeholders in the public and private sector to roll-out the programme in a cost-effective manner.

The announcement builds on new relationships, sex and health education, published earlier this year, to ensure every pupil learns about leading healthy lives, including menstrual wellbeing, as part of a well-rounded education on mental and physical health.

Amika George, founder of #FreePeriods, said: "This is fantastic news, and we’re so glad that the government has extended this pledge to primary schools. Period poverty should never be a barrier to education.

"With free access to menstrual products for every child in compulsory education, every student can go to school without the anxiety or stress of worrying where their next pad or tampon will come from. This commitment will ensure that all children can fully participate in lessons and focus in class, and their period will never hold them back."