Resources

We are committed to improving menstrual cycle education across the UK, ensuring educational resources are evidence-based and fit-for-purpose for both teachers and pupils. All of our resources have been created with input from teachers and pupils.

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Resources

Teacher Research Report

We collected views of 789 teachers from the across the UK to understand current menstrual education in schools and their experiences of teaching.

More info

Recommendations for a Period Positive Environment

After speaking to young people, we have provided information on how to improve support for menstruation in school.

Free Resource here

The Pupils Voice

We travelled across the UK to understand young peoples experiences of menstruation and the impact periods have in school.

Lesson plans and guidance notes

We listened to teachers and pupils to create lesson plans and guidance notes to help teach menstrual education in schools

Free here

Yoga video for menstrual symptoms

We listened to teachers and pupils to create a yoga video to be used to help reduce physical symptoms caused by the menstrual cycle.

Access for free here

Animated video resource

Short on time? We have created a short animated video to explain what the menstrual cycle is and how to manage symptoms.

Free here

Read Report

Research Overview

The purpose of this study was two-fold, to 1) explore current education provision in UK schools including barriers to menstrual cycle education and 2) assess the perceived support teachers received to deliver menstrual cycle education. 789 teachers (91% female) from all stages of school education in England (48%), Scotland (24%), Wales (22%) and Northern Ireland (6%) completed an online survey. The survey captured information on menstrual education in schools, teacher’s knowledge and confidence of the menstrual cycle, support provided to teachers, provision of menstrual products in school and perceived impact of the menstrual cycle on young people in school.

498 teachers reported lessons were provided on the menstrual cycle (63%), predominantly delivered within personal, social, health and economic or science subjects, with over half of the lessons focusing on the biology (56%) or provision of menstrual products (40%) rather than lived experiences (14%). Teachers perceived the menstrual cycle affected participation in PE (88%), pupil confidence (88%), school attendance (82%) and attitude and behavior (82%). Overall, 80% of teachers felt receiving training would be beneficial to improve menstrual education. The results highlight education is scientifically focused, with less education on management of symptoms or lived experiences. Teachers also perceive the menstrual cycle to influence multiple aspects of school attendance and personal performance. There is a need to address menstrual education provided in schools across the UK to help empower girls to manage their menstrual cycle, preventing a negative impact on health and school performance.

Education Recommendations

Make time available for delivery, particularly to increase the regularity of teaching and lowering the age at which young people are first taught.

Provide resources for teachers to deliver information relating to emotional, social and physical aspects of the menstrual cycle.

Provide training support to teachers, with the minimum expectation for teachers to receive online professional development through e-learning and/or webinar.

Develop peer support groups for young people within schools to encourage open conversations.

Reframe the narrative, addressing historical societal construct including amongst teachers, students and parents.

Coming soon

Pupils experiences of menstrual cycle education in schools across the UK