(UK) Wales: "Increase in school aged children not able to use bathroom"

Jan 15, 2025, CBS Chicago: UK parents outraged over new diaper changing rule at schools

VIDEO: Some parents in the U.K. are outraged over a new school policy. It requires them to come change their child’s diaper, they are not potty trained. . . .  This is a product of the Pandemic.

Every parent knows the challenge of potty training their child before it’s time to start school.  But it doesn’t always happen, and some teachers in Britain have a new rule: IF your child needs a diaper change, you must come to school and do it yourself, sparking a debate at the school gate. . . .

The mandate comes from a county council in Wales where teachers where teachers say there’s been an increase in school aged children not being able to use the bathroom by themselves since COVID hit.

Claire Armitist, Welsh Trade Union Director: All over Wales, there are a number of schools really struggling with this because they have neither the money nor the resource to keep supporting children in this way.

Reporter: Teaching unions say some staff are having to deal wih children as old as eight who are still having accidents.

Laura Doel, National Secretary, National Trade Union: No child is going to be left in discomfort. Of course, they’re not, but there needs to be a joint responsibility here, and that’s what we’re supporting.

Reporter: And educators argue, the more time they spend on diaper duty, the less time they have to teach.