Harrytown Catholic High School in Romiley, Stockport, has issued a statement denying allegations that pupils were denied access to drinking water during the hot weather on Tuesday, June 23. The school faced backlash after reports from pupils and parents claimed that taps had been turned off, allegedly due to a 'small minority' of students engaging in water fights.
School Responds to Parent Concerns
The Manchester Evening News was contacted by several concerned parents after their children reported being unable to access drinking water. Dozens of comments in a local Facebook group further alleged that water fountains were shut off, leaving students unable to fill their bottles. In response, the school clarified that only two water fountains were turned off due to spillages creating a health and safety hazard.
A spokesman for the Diocese of Shrewsbury, which runs the school, stated: "A decision was taken to turn off two water fountains at Harrytown High School yesterday because spillage had created a health and safety hazard for children and staff. All other water fountains in the school remained fully operational and accessible to all pupils. Water was also available via pupil services. No pupils at Harrytown were exposed at any time to a risk of dehydration."
Headteacher Clarifies Policy
Headteacher Clare Pickles sent an email to parents, seen by the M.E.N., explaining that pupils could fill their water bottles before and after school and during breaks. However, in line with health and safety guidance, students were not permitted to leave lessons to access water. "We will, of course, always take individual medical or wellbeing needs into account," she added.
The school emphasized that water was available throughout the day and that no student faced a risk of dehydration. The statement aimed to reassure parents that the school had taken appropriate measures to ensure student safety during the heatwave.
