Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Free Period Product Scheme for Schools

15 December 2021 · 1 other contributor · 4,627 words

Opened by Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

Responding minister: Will Quince

EducationWomen & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ruth Cadbury raised concerns about free period product scheme for schools in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The scheme's sign-up rate is 41% for primary schools, with regional disparities noted.
  • One in fourteen girls have missed school due to inability to afford or access period products.
  • The minister commits to extending the scheme until August 2022 and exploring inclusion of sustainable products like period pants.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks the government to consider making the scheme an opt-out rather than opt-in, improving communication with schools about the scheme, expanding product offerings to include multi-use items like reusable pads and mooncups, ensuring a more permanent footing for the scheme, addressing regional inequalities through pupil premium numbers, and looking at Scotland's Act as a model.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

The scheme's sign-up rate is concerning with only 41% of primary schools participating. There are regional variations in uptake, such as the north-east having a lower sign-up rate compared to London at 44% versus 50%. The stigma around periods persists and period poverty has worsened due to increased living costs. One in fourteen girls have missed school because they could not afford or access period products.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I have always supported this campaign and mentioned the interest from Northern Ireland's local Education Minister to consider the matter, following a debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Ards and North Down Borough Council is also willing to participate. School nurses in Northern Ireland provide access to period products for pupils. The Minister will be aware that Northern Ireland's Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has said that no-one should miss out on their education because they cannot afford or access menstrual products. Northern Ireland's three-year £2.6 million scheme aims to reduce stigma and anxiety among students.

Government Response

Will Quince

Extends free period product scheme until August 2022; commits to meeting the hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth at a later date to discuss further details; emphasizes removing stigma around periods through education curriculum. Announces plans to explore including additional products like period pants in the scheme, with a focus on sustainability. Reports that take-up rates are high among secondary schools (76%) and colleges (79%).

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