CATSHILL pupils became the first in the country to experience a new school initiative designed to help children feel more at ease talking about periods and puberty.

The national ‘betty for schools’ bus – a new curriculum-linked education programme for pupils aged eight to 12 – chose Catshill Middle School to launch its UK tour on Tuesday, March 21.

Year 5 to Year 8 pupils were given interactive lessons to address any questions that they have on the topics and to help encourage open, respectful and honest conversations.

Janet Lodge, assistant headteacher, said: “‘betty bus’ has encouraged our pupils to discuss openly what can sometimes be a challenging topic to address.

“We believe that it is important for our pupils to be well-prepared for all aspects of their future, including the changes that they are likely to experience as they move to adolescence.

“The programme has addressed these issues fully in a supportive climate for learning.”

The PSHE Association accredited initiative, which has been created with education experts and young people, provides one-hour sessions to schools across the country.

Rebecca Martin, head of partner relations at ‘betty for schools’, added: “The betty for schools programme has been designed to encourage open, respectful and honest conversations about periods in the classroom, and to empower teachers to deliver the sessions with confidence.

“As a society we all need to be a bit more grown up when talking about periods.

"We’re really excited to have been able to launch the betty bus today and it’s been fantastic to see such a positive response from the teachers and pupils at Catshill Middle school."

Advice for parents discussing issues with children can be found at bettyforschools.co.uk.