It’s really concerning that he wasn’t allowed to go when he clearly needed to, and it’s even worse that he felt he had to hold it in. No child should ever feel ashamed or humiliated over something so natural. I think it’s important to have a chat with the school about this. They should be aware of how the teacher handled the situation, especially since he felt unwell afterward. It might also help to speak to his new teacher or the principal to ensure he feels supported moving forward. Maybe you could even discuss having a plan in place so he knows he can go to the toilet when he needs to, without fear of being told no. It’s essential for him to feel comfortable at school, so he can focus on his learning without any added stress. You’re doing a great job being there for him!

I suggest you try and meet with the prin and teacher (and maybe form teacher) to understand why that happened, but more importantly, to support your son to feel comfortable going back into the school environment. Issues with teachers are always best to be discussed openly, honestly and respectfully.

Interesting
*school locks toilets, so expectation no child goes in class time.
*reason needed to go to toilet – didn’t go break/medical/etc
*phone at school
*school policy – directions they give to staff
*any past behavioural issues
Meet with school administration and discuss!!!

You need to have a meeting with the principal. That is just horrible and unforgivable.

I’m curious to see what developed after this post but I would be contacting the school and having a meeting with the principal regarding this. I know sometimes students use bathroom breaks as an work avoidance tactic but there was multiple signs to show your son needed to go. I feel awful for him that he was constantly dismissed.

Honestly, I would be reporting the teacher to the departmental head, definitely in the wrong here. How dare she tell a kid when they can and cannot use the toilet. I feel sorry for you young fella, and he would obviously be embarrassed. Sounds like she was on a power trip that day and knew she was in the wrong even to not acknowledge it after the fact and try to help him. What a horrid human.

What did you end up doing mom512726 ??

If this is exactly what happened then there is a problem but I’d want more info. Perhaps the teacher has more perspective to add in. Remember this is a long term relationship with school so I’d ask for a meeting with the principal to talk it through. If this is what happened exactly then the principal should be addressing the teacher. If it’s not quite everything then there can be some agreement reached with the teacher and student and then there is transparency in what is being monitored and expected behaviour from both sides.

A bit rough. I get the kids who regularly ask for toilet breaks are to blame here

I hope to see a follow up on this forum post. I would love to know that her son is doing better and the school implements a positive outcome.

Stupid teacher I would go to the principal

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What did you end up doing mom512726 ? And how is your son now ?

I would be very quickly going to the headmaster/mistress and reporting the teacher and then letting them sort out the problem they have made that your son no longer wants to go to school. This is the 21st century, not the dark ages!

I’m sorry, are you saying that the toilets are LOCKED between meal times???
I maybe oldervbthan most of us, butwhen I HAD to go to the toilet during an examination, was allowed .. although I had to do a ‘catchup” when Igot back

That is definitely teacher. what a poor boy? it is a natural thing that happens to everyone. So sad

This is truly horrible… and has almost happened to a few of my children over the years. Thankfully I had conversations with them before something actually happened. I told my children that if you are going to find yourself in THAT situation to leave and go to the toilet/office straight away… thankfully our children’s toilets aren’t locked. What school locks their toilets – honestly!
I can recall a situation like this and the incident was reported to me by her teacher. I called a meeting with the Principal and had the teacher marched in to, ahem, discuss this matter further. I pointed out that my daughter has bladder issues and to obstruct her from going to the toilet when absolutely needed was a breach of duty of care. Not only could that have had a massive impact on her mental wellbeing, she, no doubt would have been the subject of ridicule and bullying. I wrote a note for her to carry in case another teacher approached her and I warned the school that if anything like this was to occur again that I would report this to the Dept of Education. Needless to say, my firm stand and harsh words were taken on board and this didn’t happen again.
ABSOLUTELY address this with his teacher and the Principal. Toilets are a necessity, not a luxury and should never be locked.

This is so sad. Teacher is definitely in the wrong. Both for not letting him go and for not contacting you as soon as she realised what happened. Honestly I’d be so angry if this was my son.

That is NOT Ok! That just made me feel so sad! The teacher is completely in the wrong and I would be discussing it with the school!

I just read the article about it. Definitely not okay. I would talk to the teacher and to the principal.