Parents in Wales are up in arms over a council's decision to require them to come into school to change their children if they have an accident. The new policy, set to take effect next term in Blaenau Gwent schools, applies to nursery school children who aren't yet potty trained. The council claims that the time spent by teachers on changing children is taking away from teaching and learning time, citing an increase in children starting school without being fully potty trained. However, one parent has spoken out against the policy, calling it discriminatory and unfair, as many children, despite their parents' best efforts, are not fully potty trained when they start school. A parent whose 3-year-old son is due to start nursery school in January argues that it’s impractical for parents to leave work to change their children’s diapers and that it would disrupt the school’s routine. Another father voiced his concerns over the health and safety implications of a policy that could leave children in soiled clothing until a parent arrives. “It’s obviously a parent’s responsibility to potty train, but my view is that children hit that milestone at different ages.” The policy doesn't apply where there is a recognized medical need and appropriate evidence has been provided. Schools will continue to look to support parents in relation to toilet training issues, and parents can ask for help and advice.
