A council has told parents they must come in and change their children if they soil themselves at school. The new rule comes into force in schools across Blaenau Gwent next term for children in reception and nursery classes.
The local authority has sent out letters to parents saying the amount of time school staff are having to spend changing children sent to school without being potty trained is affecting teaching and learning time. The body representing school leaders in Wales said growing numbers of children are arriving at school without being potty trained.
But the rule was criticised as “discriminatory” and “unfair” by one parent, who said many young children are not fully potty trained by school starting age, despite efforts to do so. The father, whose three yea- old on has a place to start at a local school nursery in Blaenau Gwent in January, said he and his wife, a teacher, are now considering not sending him. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here
He said it was unrealistic to expect parents to leave work to clean up and change their children and that school would be disrupted by large numbers coming to do so. He questioned whether there were health and safety implications in leaving a child in soiled nappies or underwear until a parent came and that although his son was potty training he still had occasional accidents.
“It is obviously a parent’s responsibility to potty train but my view, if you look at the literature, is that children hit their milestones at different ages... we are still undecided whether to send our son to school nursery next term now.”
The father, who did not want to be named, has written to Dr Luisa Munro-Morris, Blaenau Gwent Director of Education, to complain.
Responding to Blaenau Gwen't new policy Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru National Secretary said: " We have had some school leaders reporting that an increasing number of children in school are not always hitting those key milestones before they arrive, including their self-care needs. School leaders therefore welcomed Blaenau Gwent’s decision to intervene on this issue and we are working closely with the Local Authority to help ensure all children get the support they need.
"Of course, where children have additional needs, it is vital they and their families are provided with extra support they need from the appropriate agencies.”
In her letter sent to parents Dr Munro-Morris outlines the new rules saying: “From 1st January 2025, if a child is attending nursery/school in a nappy or pull ups, parents will be expected to come in and change their child. The only exception to this policy will be for children who are in nappies/pull ups due to a medical need, which must be accompanied by a letter from a consultant.
“The reason for this policy change is due to the high number of children in our nursery and reception classes who require changes. This situation has led to our staff spending a significant amount of time changing children, which is adversely impacting teaching and learning.”
Responding to the policy change Claire Armitstead, Director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said: “It is the case that young children sometimes do arrive at school without being potty-trained. There is anecdotal evidence that this issue has increased in recent years, and this is obviously a challenging situation.
“ASCL Cymru would ask that greater support is given to families and children not only to support potty training but also the wider problems families are facing
“While we cannot comment on circumstances at individual schools, it is the case that young children sometimes arrive at school without being potty-trained, and this is obviously a very challenging situation.
“It may be that such developmental delays are part of wider problems where families are struggling to cope, and there is anecdotal evidence that this is an issue which has increased in recent years. We do need there to be a greater focus on putting into place more support for families and young children.”
Asked about the effect of the policy on parents the council said in a statement: “It is a parent/carer’s responsibility to ensure their child is toilet trained. However based on data collection from schools on their experience of very high levels of pupils coming to school in nappies we have introduced this policy.
“The policy states that parents will be expected to go to school to change their child’s nappies/pull ups. The policy does not apply where there is a recognised medical need and appropriate evidence of this has been provided.
“Schools will continue to look to support parents/carers in relation to toilet training issues, and can signpost to help and advice.”
The full text of the letter to parents outlining the policy change coming in next term:
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Re: Nappy/pull up changing in school
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you about an important policy change that will be implemented across Blaenau Gwent schools from 1 st January 2025. From 1 st January 2025, if a child is attending nursery/school in a nappy or pull ups, parents will be expected to come in and change their child. The only exception to this policy will be for children who are in nappies/pull ups due to a medical need, which must be accompanied by a letter from a consultant. This letter will need to be shared with the school.
The reason for this policy change is due to the high number of children in our nursery and reception classes who require changes. This situation has led to our staff spending a significant amount of time changing children, which is adversely impacting teaching and learning. By implementing this policy, we aim to ensure that our staff can focus on educational activities and provide a better learning experience for all our children.
We understand that this change may require some adjustments, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding. For support with toilet training please see How to potty train - NHS and www.eric.org.uk (Eric The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, free helpline 08081699949).
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Luisa Munro-Morris
Blaenau Gwent Director of Education
