CCEA Survey provides foundation for Period Dignity and Menstrual Wellbeing Support for NI Schools Project

Over 2,300 pupils, students and teaching professionals provided valuable feedback and CCEA would like to extend its thanks to everyone who took time to complete the surveys.

A report containing the initial survey findings will be available from mid-September on the CCEA website, and the initial feedback received will help to inform the roll out of a Period Dignity Pilot Project throughout all schools in Northern Ireland during September 2021.

This autumn, to support the pilot project, CCEA will also be providing online professional learning on Period Dignity and Menstrual Wellbeing for teachers in Primary and Post-Primary schools. Further information will be available closer to the time and the topics covered will include:

• Overview of the Period Dignity Scheme in post-primary schools;
• The toxic trio and its impact on menstruating pupils;
• Facts about menstruation;
• Menstrual wellness – physical and emotional wellbeing, leading up to and during periods;
• Menstrual hygiene – essential facts and how to deal with related situations;
• Challenges – pain, anxiety, fear, embarrassment, myths; and
• Challenging negative attitudes, stereotypes and gender inequality around periods.

To accompany the professional learning, CCEA are also developing new teaching resources on these topics which will be added to the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Hub of the CCEA website over the incoming academic year. To sign up for the latest CCEA Primary, Post-Primary and Special Educational Needs teacher updates click here.