A BUS aimed at teaching young girls about their periods has stopped off in Reading.

The 'betty bus' aims to provide puberty education in a more open and engaging way and is touring the UK.

It docked at Thameside Primary School and The Pines Primary School where the pupils took part in interactive activities on board.

Sophie Greenaway, deputy headteacher at Thameside Primary, said: "The betty bus is excellent. Both boys and girls were really engaged in the thoughtfully planned workshops.

“The staff were well organised, well trained and very friendly. We we would love the betty bus to come and visit us again next year."

During the bus visits, female pupils aged between 8-12 took part in one-hour sessions with trained facilitators to explore how periods can affect them both physically and mentally and encouraged them to ask questions.

Boys of the same ages were given the chance to take part in a separate session on puberty, focusing on their attitude and understanding of periods.

Rebecca Martin, head of partner relations at betty for schools added: “We’re really excited to be touring the betty bus, and it’s been fantastic to see such positive responses from the teachers and pupils involved.

“All of the resources available at bettyforschools.co.uk have been created to help empower teachers to deliver sessions about periods with confidence, and to encourage open, respectful and honest conversations about periods and the way they affect girls.

“After such a great stop off in Berkshire we hope that the betty bus will continue to provide a fun and welcoming space for girls across the UK to talk frankly about periods as it continues its tour.”

The betty bus was launched at the Education Show in Birmingham this year and is a programme of free resources accredited by the PSHE association.

Visit www.bettyforschools.co.uk for more information.