It is the policy of the Department of Education to work in partnership with the school authorities, and all stakeholders, to provide sanitary facilities that comply with the Design Guidance issued by the department. SDG-02-06 provides design guidance specifically in relation to Sanitary Facilities, and sets out the required standards of performance to be used in the design of primary and post primary school toilets with an emphasis on achieving build quality; value for money; safety in design, construction and use; effective management and operation of the school building.
The design guidance is written to ensure that the school environment is designed to be flexible and responsive to each school’s individual requirements.
Design Guidance Document SDG-02-06 clearly outlines that the designation of each sanitary facility within a school as gender specific or neutral is a matter for the School authority and should be based on consultation with the School community. As such, the design guidance clarifies that early discussion in the design process between the Design Team and the School Authority in relation to the arrangement and layout of all sanitary facilities is required.
The design guidance contained in SDG-02-06 offers the choice to each school authority as to which path they choose to follow in providing flexible and inclusive environments for pupils.