To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the contract summary of the Period Product provision to schools and post-16 education institutions across England, which company was awarded the contract following the invitation to tender; on what date that contract started; whether the contract awarded was for the provision of environmentally sustainable and reusable menstrual products; and if he will make a statement.
Answered on
28 October 2019
The Government has listened to concerns from teachers, pupils, students and parents about how the costs of period products can impact on education. No-one should be held back from reaching their potential, which is why the Department has announced a scheme to provide access to free period products in schools and 16-19 institutions in England.
Following a competitive tender exercise, a contract was agreed with Personal Hygiene Services Ltd on the 15 October 2019 for the provision of period products. The scheme will roll out to schools and 16-19 institutions in January 2020. A wide range of products, including environmentally friendly pads and tampons, as well as reusable products such as reusable pads will be available.
Schools and 16-19 institutions know their pupils and students best and will therefore have the freedom to select the most suitable products, taking account of age, individual needs, cost and type of product. The Department will provide guidance, to be published later this year, which will support institutions to make these decisions and implement the scheme effectively.
The Department will be monitoring product choice closely and will continue to seek opportunities to encourage the use of sustainable products as the scheme develops.