Smart new washrooms have been opened as part of an upgrading of the facilities across the school.

The first phase of the unisex amenities became operational this week, with more to open across the Upton site by Easter.

Joanna Brand, Viking Academy Trust safeguarding lead, and Robin Curtis chair of governors at Upton Junior School believe the new facilities are a welcome addition to the school.

They said: “They are bright, open, hygienic and safe spaces. Personal privacy was paramount and was thoroughly evaluated and discussed throughout the project.

“The cubicles are self-contained with minimal gap top and bottom to maintain the ventilation of a full height door that are individually lockable to ensure privacy.

“Our school washrooms are all monitored effectively by informal supervision of staff without compromising privacy – universal washrooms promote our ethos of equality and inclusivity.”

The work is being completed as part of the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Funding (CiF). The Viking Academy Trust appointed Academy Estate Consultants (AEC) to lead these works and ensure necessary regulations are adhered to.

The school has received positive feedback from children and staff about the project, and Upton is happy to immediately discuss any operational matters arising within our school community.

A detailed information brief to families included a summary of the design standards, statutory requirements, and guidance that informed the design of the toilet facilities installed as part of the works, with reference to the relevant Department for Education (DfE) regulations, plus clear images showing the design of the washroom area and cubicles with full length doors.

Signage installed on to cubicle doors clearly designates boys, girls, unisex and accessible separate single occupancy toilets.

The shared wash area is open, visible, and easily supervised, supporting both safeguarding and behaviour management.

Head of School Darci Arthur said: “At Upton we ensure that we have the latest facilities for our children wherever possible. The new washrooms are bright and colourful and offer first class hygienic and private amenities for all pupils.”