Kay Shaw of Grange Lane Infant Academy Highlights Vital Role of Hygiene Banks

Kay Shaw, Pastoral Manager at Grange Lane Infant Academy, part of Delta Academies Trust, recently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to discuss the growing need for hygiene banks and their impact on children and families. Kay, who has been running a hygiene bank at the academy for over five years, highlighted how this initiative is addressing a critical issue in the community.

“There’s a massive need for it,” Kay explained. “Toothbrushes, nappies, sanitary products—we are seeing the demand more and more. At first, parents struggled to ask for help, but now they are happy to come and accept what they need. One child even said, ‘We can have a toothbrush each? We haven’t got to share?’.

Kay shared that the work of the hygiene bank has fostered a sense of community, with parents giving back in small but meaningful ways. “Parents whose children have outgrown nappies often donate them back to us because they’ve been so appreciative of the help we’ve given. It’s lovely to see,” she said.

The discussion also featured author and lecturer Katriona O’Sullivan, who shared her own experiences growing up in extreme poverty, emphasising the life-long impact of hygiene poverty.

“ I used to roll out of bed in the morning, having wet my bed, no soap, no towels, no one to teach me to wash, and head into school. I didn’t have a toothbrush for 12 or 13 years,” Katriona revealed. “The shame was horrendous. Kids are cruel, when you’re smelly or you don’t have what everybody else has, you’re a target. Hygiene poverty is like a blanket of shame, and I’m still shaking it off now.”

Hearing Katriona’s story resonated deeply with Kay. She reflected on the parallels to what children and families still face today. “We’ve gotten better at identifying families in need. We have pastoral managers like myself in schools, so we have more insight and are better at seeking and getting the support in.”

There are small but impactful ways the academy makes children and parents feel valued. “At Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we let children find a gift for their parents and we wrap it up nicely. Not only does the child feel proud to give their parent something, but the parent has something very special. To me, that is very rewarding.”

Kay emphasised the need for more people to contribute essential hygiene items alongside food donations. “If people knew the difference it makes, they’d be amazed,” she said. Katriona added her gratitude for those who give their time and resources to support families. “Without people like Kay and the listeners who donate, my childhood wouldn’t have been survivable. Giving your time or donating products really makes a difference to a child’s and an adult’s life.”

The segment ended with a powerful call to action from the presenter, encouraging policymakers and communities to address this often-overlooked form of poverty.

Delta Academies Trust celebrates Kay Shaw’s extraordinary dedication to supporting children and families in need. Her work exemplifies the Trust’s commitment to nurturing the well-being and development of every child.