89% of learners told us that they believe period equality is a real issue.*
At phs Group, we believe that no learner should ever face barriers to their education simply because of their period. Creating period equality in education is a matter of equality, dignity, and ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive and learn.
Are period products free at your school?
phs are proudly delivering period equality to schools and colleges in England via The Department for Education’s (DFE) Period Product scheme to provide free period products to young people who need them. This scheme enables all learners to fully participate in education by making period products available as and when they are needed.
Every eligible school/college has a log-in for the phs order portal to order from a range of period products, including standard, organic, and re-usable pads and tampons, and menstrual cups. If you have yet to receive your activation email or require more information on the scheme or portal, contact phs directly by emailing periodproducts@phs.co.uk or calling 01827 255 500.
Scotland was the first country in the world to offer free period products in schools, colleges and universities and has done so since 2018. Funding is provided directly to local authorities. Arrangements for distribution are made with schools, depending on each council’s process.
Under its Period Dignity Action Plan, the Welsh Government has provided funding for free period products across education in Wales since 2019, which includes schools and further education institutions. Funding is given to local authorities to facilitate the distribution of products, with varying approaches depending on local strategy. Some are ordering products to be delivered to schools while others are distributing funding for products to be ordered directly by schools to their individual requirements. Check with your local authority to access the period product.
All schools in Northern Ireland can provide free period products to learners under a new period dignity scheme designed to promote attendance at school by tackling period poverty. Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive and delivered by the Department of Education, the three-year pilot began in September 2021. Schools have been allocated an initial budget to purchase products. There is a policy and guidance document for schools and schools can order free products via an online portal.
Read our blog to find out more.
Useful resources
We have developed valuable resources that are available for you to freely download and utilise in your school or college.
Advice for teens
At phs, we understand that as great as it is to be a teen, it’s not always easy. Therefore, we have partnered with Lil-Lets to provide support for schools and advice for teenagers when it comes to becoming a teen, what is puberty and much more.
Download the ‘Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Teen’ today! (Available in both English and Welsh)
We also appreciate that choosing the right period products for you can be confusing as there are so many to choose from. Together with Lil-Lets, we have created two guides which provide information on their organic range for both non-applicator tampons and pads.
Download the guides today to find out more. (Available in both English and Welsh)
Period equality lesson plans
Period inequality continues to pose a significant challenge for young people, often forcing learners to either skip school or lack access to essential period products.
1 in 9 learners disclosed that they’ve had to miss school or college due to the unavailability of period products. This not only represents an educational obstacle but also highlights a stark reality.
Alongside Lil-Lets, we’ve developed educational lesson plans designed to foster awareness and comprehension regarding periods and products. These lesson plans serve as a valuable resource for schools and teachers to ensure that every learner has access to the information necessary to understand their menstrual cycles and access the resources they require.
Creating awareness
By creating awareness of period equality at your educational institute, you’re supporting learners to access the free period products they need. To help support the initiative, we have posters for both primary and secondary schools and a phs’ Period Equality brochure available to freely download.
Primary education posters
Secondary education posters
Show that you care by taking the first step today. For more on how you can create period equality at your school, college, university, or any other educational institute – get in touch!
*Source: phs Period Poverty Whitepaper