Every school should provide drinking water, which is:

• free of charge
• fresh
• chilled in summer
• from a mains water supply
• readily available at all times
• to all pupils, ensuring equal access to those with special needs or disabilities
• from a number of points around the school, including within the dining area
• from modern, clean and regularly maintained dispensers (mains-supplied water coolers, modern water fountains with a swan neck, bespoke taps and sinks)
• not from outlets (taps, fountains or any other type of dispenser) in or near toilet areas

Pupils should be:

• provided with clean drinking vessels, if drinking from taps
• permitted to carry water with them and consumption encouraged in class, during break and lunch time, before, during and after exercise and during extra curricular activities.
• able to use toilets that are clean, well-stocked and safe, whenever they need to
• listened to regarding complaints and suggestions relating to the provision of water and toilets

Schools

Many schools already provide traditional drinking fountains but we are keen to encourage schools to do more to improve the provision of water to pupils in their care to encourage children to drink regularly throughout the day. This need not be expensive or disruptive - all that is required is a positive attitude and a few ground-rules.

• Enable pupils to drink at least 3-4 full glasses of water per day at school; boys aged 14 and over need at least 5-6. All pupils, whatever their age, need to increase these amounts when exercising and in warm weather. Make water freely accessible to pupils from a number of points throughout the day and encourage pupils to carry water with them (personal water bottles within arm's reach on desks are the most practical and effective option) or give pupils a minimum of 3-5 fluid breaks per day at school with at least one in the afternoon. Pupils should be encouraged to drink a full glass of water at each drink.
• Provide facilities and access that encourage children to drink water regularly throughout the school day - in numerous safe, hygienic and easily accessible locations conducive to drinking, and not in toilet areas. The water should be palatable in both taste and temperature
• Wherever possible, pupils should have free access to the toilets throughout the day. The toilets should be well maintained and clean

For practical guidelines download The Information Booklet here (pdf)

For a drinking water provision and access checklist for schools click here

Parents

• Find out from your children how frequently and how much they actually get to drink at school. What about after PE and active play? In warm weather?
• Find out from your children what the rules are - and what goes on in practice! Do your children usually come out of school thirsty?
• Go and have a look at the drinking facilities for yourself and try them out! Would you be happy to drink from them? The facilities can be there but it doesn't mean they are used if the children don't like them or the taste of the water, or they can't always get access to the water.
• Don't forget the toilets. Would you be happy to use them?
• With the help of other parents, raise the issue with the teachers, the head and the governors.
• Set a good example at home by drinking plenty of water and limiting soft drinks. Children need encouragement to drink.
• Always focus on water and toilet facilities when visiting new schools and raise the issue with the staff.

For a full checklist on drinking water provision and access: what to look for in a school for your child click here

Health and education professionals

• Raise awareness in schools that the provision and access to good drinking water and toilet facilities is fundamental for health, well being and learning.
• Encourage schools to implement practical measures that allow children free access to cool and palatable fresh water from an adequate number of attractive facilities in sites conducive to drinking. Do the toilets encourage children to use them? If possible offer practical help and assistance.