Free Sanitary Products in Schools

Opened the debate

It is my honour to have the last debate of the parliamentary year, focusing on providing free menstrual supplies for students. Over half the population expect periods monthly from their early teens until their 40s or 50s. Students need access to these supplies when needed without embarrassment or reliance on unsuitable alternatives like toilet paper. Ruth Cadbury thanked Members who attended the inaugural meeting of the all-party parliamentary group on period equality, highlighting activists and charities such as Free Periods and Hounslow Red Box Project. She emphasised that free period products should be available in various venues beyond schools and praised Scotland’s recent legislation. The Government scheme introduced in January 2021 has been rolled out to schools across the country, with take-up of about 40% by August. Ruth Cadbury expressed concern over increased poverty due to the pandemic and requested further information on take-up rates from the Minister. She also asked for more promotion of the scheme beyond Free Periods and queried future funding plans and extensions.

Government Response

Minister Vicky Ford congratulated the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth on securing a debate about providing free period products in schools. The Government rolled out a scheme last January to provide these products in primary, secondary, and college settings across England until December next year. Schools can easily order from PHS via an online portal based on demand rather than assumed need. Products include environmentally friendly options like tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and reusable pads with schools choosing the most suitable ones. She encouraged all organisations to review guidance developed through consultations including those from campaigns such as the Red Box Project. The new health education curriculum teaches key facts about periods to both boys and girls, shifting conversations around menstruation towards normalisation. Additional training will be provided for teachers delivering this content. Since 2015, £15 million has been awarded through the tampon tax fund supporting vulnerable women and girls. Last year, a cross-sector period poverty taskforce was launched, NHS England offers free period products in hospitals, and the Home Office ensures custody provision of these items. The scheme will continue with new spend cap allocations for all eligible schools and colleges on 4 January next year. Helen Waite runs the period product scheme at DfE, Sarah Lewis manages early years team, and Susan Acland-Hood is a permanent secretary making significant contributions. Dame Christine Lenehan and Tina Emery support children with disabilities during the pandemic. Jenny Coles supports vulnerable children through social work services. Anne Longfield’s work as Children’s Commissioner has been invaluable and her successor will continue this effort.