Free Period Products for Schools In The UK

The government-led period product scheme provides free period products to girls and women in their place of study. Providing free sanitary products is vital to ensure that no student misses school due to a lack of access to essential hygiene items. This initiative promotes equality and supports young people's well-being and academic success nationwide.

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Join us as we explore the impact of period inequality and the eligibility criteria allowing educational settings to supply free period products to those who need them so their period does not act as a barrier to education.

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What is Period Inequality?
What is the Free Period Product Initiative?
Eligibility for the Free Period Product Scheme
How to Choose Period Products for Your Students
Period Product Scheme FAQs

What is Period Inequality?

Having access to period products is a basic necessity for most people; however, this is not always the case. Many people today are either unable to afford or do not have access to sanitary products. This is known as period inequality, sometimes referred to as period poverty.

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Over recent years, awareness of this issue has increased, leading to several national and global movements designed to create period equality. Period equality can be defined as anyone having access to sanitary products regardless of their circumstances.

The Impact of Period Inequality

Period inequality has a profound impact on young girls, women, and those who have periods. A recent study conducted by PHS discovered that more than a third of teenage girls have missed school due to their period, 14% of pupils said they missed school due to having no access to period products, while 11% said they simply could not afford them.

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Students who lack access to period products may be forced to miss school, leading to gaps in their education and falling behind their peers. This absence can result in lower academic performance, reduced confidence, and a sense of shame or embarrassment.

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Period inequality also exacerbates gender disparities in education, limiting opportunities for girls and young women and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Therefore, addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring equal access to education for all students.

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What is the Free Period Product Initiative?

First introduced in September 2023, the period product scheme provides free sanitary products to those in education. Initially, the scheme ran until July 2024; however, due to its positive impact, schools have petitioned for it to be extended to July 2025.

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This initiative is designed to increase the availability of period products to those who need them when needed so they can continue to access education.

Eligibility for the Free Period Product Scheme

This government scheme is available to all:

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State-maintained primary schools with year 5 pupils and above
State-maintained secondary schools
State-maintained special schools and non-maintained special schools
Alternative provisions, including pupil referral units, with pupils or students in year 5 and above

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It is also available for Department of Education (DfE) funded 16-19 education organisations across England, including but not limited to:

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Further education and sixth-form colleges
State-maintained school and academy sixth form
16 to 19 academies
Higher education institutions delivering 16 to 19 provision

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This scheme wants to ensure that all students can access period products as and when needed. This includes students who cannot afford products and those who have forgotten their products or come on their period unexpectedly.

How to Choose Period Products for Your Students

You can select from a wide range of products if you are eligible for government funding for free-period products. Deciding which products to order depends on your student's needs and preferences.

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Suitable period products that you can provide your students with include:

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Period pads
Reusable period pads
Applicator tampons
Non-applicator tampons
Menstrual cups
Period pads
Pantyliners

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Students will feel valued by deciding which products are ordered for them at their place of study. You could involve students by:

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Holding informal discussions with pupils and students
Sending out anonymous questionnaires or polls
Engaging with student councils or other student-led groups within your educational institution
Encouraging girls and women interested in menstrual health to be involved in the process, for example, as ambassadors for the scheme.

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This initiative strives towards period equality in educational institutions by involving students in the decision-making process. Students can feel empowered when dealing with their periods, knowing they can continue attending classes while on them.

Period Product Scheme FAQs

How do I order period products for school?

The DfE has a contract with phs that allows you to order a range of period products and have them delivered when needed. If your school is eligible, you will receive a spending cap at the beginning of the academic year and will be renewed at the start of the following academic year.

How can students access these products?

Students can access free period products discreetly from designated areas within their school, such as the nurses' office, ensuring privacy and ease of use.

How does the initiative address period stigma?

By normalising access to period products and incorporating menstrual education into the curriculum, the initiative helps reduce the stigma associated with menstruation.

Combat Period Inequality with Woosh Washrooms

Raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding period inequality is crucial for ensuring that all students can access sanitary products as and when they are needed. This is why we strive to support the period poverty initiative at Woosh.

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Our Minivend machines dispense sanitary towels and tampons free of charge. These free vending machines can be placed in female school bathrooms so students can access products discreetly and easily. We also offer sanitary bins for discreet waste disposal, helping you maintain a clean washroom. Contact our team today and see how we can help you join the fight against period poverty.

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