Bullying and poor hygiene put pupils off visiting the toilet

The Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association (CPHVA) has asked its 2,500 members to complete questionnaires.

Its school health officer, Pat Jackson, said: "Our members have reported that many school toilets are in a poor and often smelly condition.

"This survey will give us the necessary data to lobby government and local education authorities for improved toilets and the proper provision of drinking water."

Health problems

The campaign is being organised by the CPHVA, the Enuresis Resource and Information Centre, School Councils UK and the British Toilet Association.

Nickie Brander, campaign officer for Enuresis, said: "The current health and safety legislation fails to provide adequate standards for school pupils.

"There is also a growing catalogue of evidence of short and long-term health problems, both physical and psychological, that affect children's health and learning due to sub-standard toilet and drinking water facilities.'

"We will be identifying examples of high standards as well as those where improvements could be made."

In January, a study published by Newcastle University revealed many children avoided using school toilets altogether, blaming the condition of the facilities and a fear of bullies.

Researchers compared the experiences of 394 children, aged nine to 11, in 10 primary schools in Newcastle with 157 pupils of the same age in seven schools in Sweden.

They found toilets in Newcastle were "below tolerable standards" and were a likely health risk.

Problems highlighted included urinary tract infections, constipation and incontinence.