In a recent meeting held on February 18, the People scrutiny committee of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council focused on the future work programme, specifically addressing the concerns regarding the nappy changing and intimate care policy affecting children in local schools. The discussion was prompted by Labour’s Councillor Sonia Behr, who suggested the need for a report addressing the situation, particularly concerning how it affects children who have not been toilet trained.
Councillor Behr remarked, “The issue of nappy changing and intimate care policy has come up a bit with governors in various schools – I was wondering if we could have a report on that.” She highlighted the importance of understanding whether circumstances surrounding this issue have evolved and noted a "recent change" in the policy related to health visitors.
Director of Education, Luisa Munro-Morris, elaborated on the council's ongoing discussions with health workers regarding the policies that come into play when a child has health issues affecting their toileting needs. Munro-Morris explained, “We have agreed that the health visiting team who are supporting with any toileting concerns for the child that there is an agreed letter that would have to be sent directly to the school.” She pointed out that many young people might be on waiting lists for up to two years to receive a consultant’s letter that validates their needs, which complicates the process.
Cllr Behr's comments touched on the necessity of making the committee aware of these issues, indicating the importance of having the matter scrutinised. Munro-Morris reassured committee members that Blaenau Gwent is “working very closely” with health workers, asserting that this scenario does not mark a change in the council’s existing approach to the policy.
Committee chairman, Cllr Tommy Smith, proposed to include a report on this topic for review in the summer.
The policy in question, communicated to parents ahead of January, mandates that those with children still in nappies or pull-ups must attend schools and nurseries to manage their children's changing needs. The council has cited a “high number” of children arriving at school unpotty trained as a contributing factor impacting teaching time negatively. It is important to note that this policy does not apply to children with recognised medical needs, provided appropriate evidence is presented.
However, the policy has sparked considerable backlash from parents, many of whom argue that the requirements are impractical, especially for those working far from their children’s schools. Critics have pointed out that none of the other 21 local authorities across Wales have adopted a similar stance, raising questions about the policy’s development, which reportedly lacked input from councillors until the recent request for a report.
Source: Noah Wire Services