Schools host a surprising number of outdoor events throughout the year — sports days, summer fairs, open-air plays, fundraising events, sponsored walks, and building works that take permanent facilities out of action. When these events happen outdoors or when the school's permanent toilets are insufficient, portable toilet hire fills the gap.
Here is what school administrators, PTA committees, and event organisers need to know.
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When Schools Need Portable Toilets
Common Scenarios
- Sports days and athletics events held on playing fields away from the school building
- School fairs and fêtes attracting parents, siblings, and the wider community
- Building works that close or restrict access to permanent toilet facilities
- Outdoor performances (plays, concerts, carol services) held in school grounds
- Sponsored walks and charity events using routes away from the school
- Exam periods where additional toilet provision reduces disruption
- Temporary accommodation (portacabins) where permanent facilities are limited
The Key Challenge
School events involve children, often very young children. The toilet provision must be safe, clean, easily accessible, and supervised. The standard expected is higher than at an adult-only event.
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Safeguarding Considerations
Visibility and Supervision
Toilet provision at school events must be planned with safeguarding in mind:
- Position units in a visible location that can be easily supervised by staff
- Avoid placing units in isolated corners, behind buildings, or in areas not visible from the main event
- Ensure the approach path is open and observable
- For primary school events, a member of staff or volunteer should be stationed near the toilet area throughout the event
Separation
- Provide separate facilities for children and adults where practicable
- If separate facilities are not possible, ensure that the toilet area is supervised at all times
- For events involving external visitors (fairs, open days), consider whether children and members of the public should share facilities
DBS and Supervision
Any volunteer positioned to supervise the toilet area must have the appropriate DBS check, in line with the school's safeguarding policy.
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How Many Units?
For School Events with Public Attendance
Use event ratios, adjusting for the presence of children:
- Children (under 12) use toilets more frequently than adults — increase provision by 20-30% above standard adult ratios
- For a school fair with 300 attendees (adults and children combined): 3-4 standard units plus 1 accessible unit
- For a sports day with 500 attendees: 5-6 units plus 1-2 accessible units plus hand-wash stations
For Building Works
The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 set out requirements for toilet provision in schools:
- Sufficient toilets for the number of pupils and staff
- Separate facilities for boys, girls, and staff
- Privacy, cleanliness, and adequate ventilation
If building works reduce the available permanent toilets below these levels, portable toilets must make up the shortfall for the duration of the works.
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Types of Unit
Standard Portable Toilets
Suitable for most school events. They are affordable, self-contained, and easy to position.
Child-Friendly Considerations
Standard portable toilets are designed for adults. For primary school events:
- Ensure the door lock is easy for children to operate (check at the time of delivery)
- Consider whether smaller children can reach the toilet seat safely
- Provide a step-stool if needed (ask the hire provider or supply your own)
- Ensure hand sanitiser and toilet paper are within reach of small children
Accessible Units
Essential for any event attended by the public (Equality Act 2010) and for schools with pupils who have disabilities. Position on level ground with a clear approach.
Hand-Wash Stations
Critical at school events. Children must be able to wash their hands with running water and soap after using the toilet. A portable hand-wash station at child-friendly height is ideal.
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Placement
Safety
- On level, firm ground within easy reach of the main event area
- Visible from the event area and from staff/volunteer positions
- Away from car parks, vehicle routes, and delivery areas
- Away from play equipment, stages, and other activity zones where the unit could become an obstruction or climbing hazard
Accessibility
- Clear, unobstructed path from the event area
- Path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
- Accessible unit on the most level ground available
- Signage appropriate for the audience (clear, simple, with pictures for younger children)
Hygiene
- Away from food preparation and service areas (but within reasonable walking distance)
- Hand-wash station immediately outside the units
- Separate food handler hand-washing if the event includes a food stall or barbecue
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Servicing
For Events
Pre-event servicing is standard — units arrive fully cleaned and stocked. For single-day school events, mid-event professional servicing is not usually needed, but:
- Assign a volunteer to check units every 30-45 minutes
- Restock toilet paper and soap as needed
- Clean up any spills or mess promptly
- Report any blockages or damage immediately
For Building Works
When portable toilets are in use for days or weeks during building works, schedule professional servicing:
- Weekly servicing at minimum for chemical toilets
- More frequently for heavily used units (e.g. a primary school with 200 pupils sharing 3 portable toilets)
- Daily checks by school staff to ensure cleanliness and supplies
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Regulatory Requirements
School Premises Regulations
The School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 require:
- Sufficient toilets for the number of pupils and staff
- Separate facilities for pupils and staff
- Hot and cold running water for washing
- Toilets to provide privacy
Portable toilets used during building works must meet these standards as far as reasonably practicable.
Equality Act 2010
Accessible toilet provision is required for public events and for schools with pupils or staff who have disabilities.
Food Hygiene
If the event includes food stalls or a school barbecue, food handler hand-washing facilities are required under food hygiene regulations — separate from the public hand-wash stations.
Safeguarding
All toilet provision must be planned in accordance with the school's safeguarding policy.
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Communication
Staff and Volunteers
Brief all staff and volunteers on:
- The location of the toilet facilities
- Who is supervising the toilet area
- What to do if a unit needs attention
- Where spare supplies are stored
Parents and Visitors
Include toilet location information in event communications:
- Event programme or flyer
- Event map or site plan
- Signage at the event
Children
For younger children, ensure they know:
- Where the toilets are
- That they should ask a teacher or volunteer if they need help
- That they must wash their hands after using the toilet
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Costs
Portable toilet hire for school events is one of the most affordable welfare measures:
- 2-3 standard units for a school fair: £120-300
- 1 accessible unit: £80-150
- 1 portable hand-wash station: £50-100
- Weekly hire for building works: £60-100 per unit per week
PTA budgets, school event funds, and community grants can all cover these costs.
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Checklist
- Number of attendees estimated (pupils, parents, staff, visitors)
- Number and type of units confirmed
- Accessible unit included
- Hand-wash station(s) ordered
- Placement location confirmed — safe, visible, accessible, away from food
- Safeguarding considerations addressed — visibility, supervision, DBS
- Servicing schedule confirmed
- Volunteer assigned to monitor during the event
- Spare supplies on site
- Food handler hand-washing arranged separately (if needed)
- Staff and volunteers briefed
- Signage in place
- Delivery and collection confirmed
School events should be safe, enjoyable, and well organised. Proper toilet provision is part of that — and getting it right requires no more than a little planning and the right hire partner.