PRIMARY, secondary and special schools in Hampshire are being surveyed by a team of nurses in a bid to improve toilets and drinking water facilities for pupils.

The Community Practitioners' and Health Vistors' Association, which represents the majority of the UK's 2,500 school nurse workforce, is asking its members to

contact head teachers for their support and to answer the questions on the survey, which ends on June 13.

School Councils UK, the Enuresis Resource and Information Centre and the British Toilet Association have teamed up with the CPHVA for the initiative.

Pat Jackson, the organisation's professional officer for school health and public health, said: "Our members have reported that many school toilets are in a poor condition. This survey will give us the necessary data to lobby government and local education authorities for improved toilets and proper provision of drinking water."

Nickie Brander, campaign officer for the Enuresis Resource and Information Centre, 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."