Government advises schools that transgender boys need access to free period products
Schools must make sure free period products are available in “communal areas” so they can be accessed by girls who identify as transgender boys.
Earlier this week a Government rolled out its scheme to provide tampons, sanitary pads and other menstrual products.
The Department for Education published guidance for schools which advised headteachers to store products in “communal areas such as libraries” so that “all learners, including those who would not use female toilets, can access the products”.
The guidance stated that “Girls, non-binary and transgender learners who have periods may all need to access this scheme”.
It went on to explain that free period products should be available to “learners who do not identify as female but still have periods, for instance, transgender boys and non-binary learners”.
Announcing the move in the Spring Statement, Philip Hammond said it followed concern from headteachers that girls are missing school because they cannot afford the products.
Mr Hammond told MPs: "In response to rising concern by headteachers that some girls are missing school attendance due to inability to afford sanitary products, I have decided to fund the provision of free sanitary products in secondary schools and colleges in England from the next school year.”
The government has already pledged to remove VAT on sanitary products – the so-called “tampon tax” – when the UK leaves the European Union. Currently it channels the revenue it raises to good causes.
