Rationale:
It was evident from research that very little investigation has been done in this area. This study is designed to document detailed information about four different Sydney schools.

Aims:

• To record physical information about school toilets
• To gather user responses (students and teachers) to the condition of toilets in several schools.

Methodology:

• 4 schools investigated in Sydney’s north, south, east and west
• Toilets rated (by researchers) on location, cleanliness, privacy and facilities
• Qualitative surveys of 11 teachers and 42 students

• Conditions of toilets were poor in all 4 schools
• School’s location did not make a significant difference to condition of toilets
• The older the toilet facilities the worse their condition and perceived maintenance
• A majority of teachers surveyed (72%) thought it was not possible to properly monitor children’s use of school toilets
• Poor cleanliness of toilets was of most concern to both students and teachers
• Senior primary commented that younger children were unaware of acceptable hygiene and toileting practices
• Toilet paper and soap were lacking in some school toilets and many had poorly stocked supplies
• 50% of students surveyed said they thought the toilets at school were dirty
• 56% of students surveyed felt unsafe in school toilets
• 83% disliked going to the toilet at school