It’s a concerning issue that has come to light in schools. The responsibility of nappy-changing has become a burden on teachers, and it’s a problem that is growing, especially among affluent families.
Sending a child to school without proper toilet training is not only surprising but also increasingly common. This blasé attitude is particularly prevalent among many affluent families. In my own school, located in a middle-class town in the south of England, it’s not uncommon to encounter children aged four to six who still aren’t toilet-trained. As a teacher, this has become a daily occurrence for me, and it’s not unique to my school.
A recent incident emphasized the urgency of this problem. A mother forgot to provide spare clothes and nappies for her son, and when called, she responded with, “He’s at school, so it’s your problem now.” Instances like this highlight the increasing number of children arriving at school without proper toilet training.
Shona Sibary’s recent confession only added fuel to the fire. She admitted to sending her four-year-old to school without proper potty training, placing an unnecessary burden on teachers. It’s important for parents to understand the frustration this creates for teachers who already have so much on their plates.
Parenting experts suggest that children are ready for toilet training between the ages of two and three. However, a recent report revealed that 90 percent of reception teachers, like myself, have children in their class who aren’t toilet-trained. Apart from the time-consuming nature of nappy-changing, it also disrupts lessons and takes away from teaching time.
This burden not only affects the teachers but also the rest of the class. Pupils who require extra attention often get overlooked while teachers handle the basics of keeping everyone in clean clothes. As a teacher, it’s disheartening to feel that I don’t have enough time to teach because of the increasing burden of nappy-changing.
What’s even more surprising is that this issue is not limited to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It’s often the middle-class parents, who are accustomed to having nannies and au pairs, that expect the educational system to take care of this responsibility. Parents from various professions, including doctors, nurses, finance, and the civil service, frequently drop off their children late, causing stress for their kids.
Communication with these busy parents is rare, but when it does happen, I emphasize the importance of life skills like toilet training. Unfortunately, many parents respond with “I’m too busy!” It’s bewildering to think that parents can’t find the time to teach such a basic skill that profoundly impacts their child’s physical and emotional development.
The burden of nappy-changing falls disproportionately on teachers. If every child in a class arrived without proper potty training, teachers would spend a significant portion of their time changing them, leaving less time for essential academic instruction.
To parents who believe that nappy-changing is solely a teacher’s job, I want to say this: I teach a class of 30 students. Even changing one child takes up a significant portion of my time that should be dedicated to teaching them essential skills. Toilet training might seem mundane, but it’s a fundamental part of parenting. Ensuring your child’s happiness, confidence, and overall development should be motivation enough.
In conclusion, the burden of nappy-changing in schools is a growing concern. Teachers like me are frustrated by the lack of parental responsibility in this area. It’s time for parents to recognize their role in toilet training and understand that neglecting this responsibility not only hinders their child’s development but also places an unnecessary burden on teachers. Let’s prioritize teaching academic skills and address this issue by encouraging parents to take the lead in toilet training their children.
