Betty Bus that teaches girls about their periods visits primary school in Newham

The Betty Bus on a visit to Calverton Primary School.Facilitators Ruxy Cantor and Kayleigh Wright on board the bus (Image: Archant)

The Betty Bus visited Calverton Primary School, in King George Avenue, as part of a nationwide tour to teach pupils about periods in an interactive way.

Siobhan Kelly, one of the facilitators, said: “It’s about getting girls and boys talking about periods, and not be something that’s taboo.”

The girls, who are usually in years 5, 6 or 7, are taken onto the bus, where games including a ball pit are used to teach them about their body and the emotions they may be feeling.

The boys, meanwhile, have a lesson in the classroom with male facilitators, focusing on empathy.

“Some of the girls are eight, and some people question why we start teaching about periods at that age,” Siobhan added.

“It’s becoming more common that girls are starting at the age of eight, and if they’re the only one in their class, it can make them feel really excluded.”