More Than Just a Loo: Transforming School Life with Lee Batstone

Becky welcomes Lee Batstone, Headteacher of Madley Primary School, to the next episode of the Bog Cast. Lee has led the school for 20 years, overseeing 176 pupils in a unique village setting that blends rural and urban communities. Under his leadership, Madley Primary has embraced innovation and continuous improvement, including the often-overlooked areas of school life: lunchtimes and toilets.Lee first entered the Loo of the Year Awards in 2021, winning the Educational Cup. For him, the awards are about more than recognition, they are an opportunity to invite external scrutiny and ensure the school provides the safest and most supportive environment possible. He also celebrated success in the Washroom Cleaner Awards, highlighting the essential role cleaners play in safeguarding children through maintaining clean, safe washrooms.Toilets, Lee explains, can be a place of fear or discomfort for children, yet they are essential for health, dignity, and concentration. By making washrooms comfortable and inviting, schools can prevent both short- and long-term health problems, encouraging children to drink more and use facilities regularly without embarrassment. There is also an element of trust involved, children must feel confident to use the toilets freely during breaks or lessons, knowing the spaces are safe, clean, and respected.Looking ahead, Lee and the children at Madley Primary are planning a project in collaboration with the Loo of the Year Awards to improve and redesign the school’s toilets. The aim is to make the facilities more inviting and functional, while keeping costs manageable by involving pupils and parents in the process. This initiative also reflects one of the school’s core values: “always leave something better than you found it,” with children actively participating in the project and taking responsibility for their environment.The episode also touches on inclusivity and accessibility. Lee discusses barriers faced by children with both visible and hidden disabilities, and how the school ensures consumables and facilities align with their long-standing Green Flag Eco School Award principles. Toilets, he believes, are a small investment with a huge impact, yet they are often undervalued in school planning and policy.Lee addresses the ethical debates around when children should be allowed to use the toilet, particularly as schools encourage healthy hydration throughout the day. Children cannot concentrate when they need the toilet, and accidents can affect their dignity and confidence. Ensuring toilets are safe, hygienic, and welcoming is not just the responsibility of the headteacher or governors, it is a collective effort involving staff, parents, and pupils alike.Finally, Lee reflects on the broader significance of awards. For him, recognition should always be sought for the right reasons. The Loo of the Year Awards represent part of a holistic approach to education, encompassing academic achievement, social development, emotional wellbeing, and the creation of a nurturing school environment. In Lee’s eyes, investing in toilets is an investment in children’s learning, health, and confidence.to find out more about:Madley School www.madleyprimaryschool.co.uk or LinkedIn for Lee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-batstone-6002a529/for more information about Loo of The Year Awards:- www.loo.co.uk.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-wall-bem-a69b7a