A council in South Wales, Blaenau Gwent, has started a controversial new policy. Parents of children who are not toilet-trained must now visit the school to change their child’s nappies themselves. The policy began this term because educators were spending too much time on hygiene. This time significantly impacted classroom instruction.

Luisa Munro-Morris, the director of education, stated that the constant nappy changes were “adversely impacting teaching and learning.” The only children exempt from this rule are those needing nappies or pull-ups due to certified medical conditions.

Teaching unions support the new regulation. Laura Doel, from the National Association of Headteachers Cymru, said school leaders welcome the decision. They have noticed more pupils entering school without basic self-care skills.

However, the policy faces heavy criticism. One father called the rule “discriminatory” and “unfair.” He argued that children reach milestones like potty training at various ages. He also voiced serious concern over the health risk of a child having to wait for a parent while in a dirty nappy.

This local rule highlights a broader national issue. Research shows that up to one-quarter of British children may start school without being fully toilet-trained. A poll by the charity Kindred revealed that almost 90% of parents believe children should master this basic skill before beginning lessons. Experts point to pandemic isolation and less access to early intervention services as reasons for this decline in school readiness.