Support for children with bowel and bladder problems

Practical guidance covers how to promote good bladder and bowel health in schools, including managing incontinence, safeguarding and examples of continence policies and care plans

Essential facts

Continence conditions are among the most common health issues affecting children and young people, with more than 900,000 children in the UK affected by bowel and bladder difficulties, according to the children’s bowel and bladder charity Eric.

Growing numbers of children are also starting school still wearing nappies, which places a burden on teachers, according to the charity.

Bowel and bladder problems are associated with stigma, embarrassment and shame, affecting social interactions, well-being, educational attainment and progress.

What’s new

Practical information aimed at schools, nurseries and colleges to support children with bladder and bowel issues and toileting has been published by Bowel and Bladder UK and Eric.

It covers how to promote good bladder and bowel health in schools, including managing incontinence in schools, safeguarding and examples of continence policies and care plans.

• RELATED: Daytime wetting in children and acquisition of bladder control

The charities say schools can use the information to avoid discriminating against pupils with bowel and bladder conditions and make sure that these children are fully supported.

It recommends avoiding caffeinated and fizzy drinks, which can irritate the bladder, and encouraging open access to water and drinks where possible.

• RELATED: How seminars for parents can improve children’s continence management

Learners should have open access to clean, safe, well-stocked toilets throughout their hours at school. This is particularly important for younger children, those who have difficulties with their bladder and/or bowel and for girls who are menstruating.

Disposable continence containment products should only be used to manage incontinence in school if recommended by a healthcare professional who is involved the learner’s care.

For specific concerns related to individual learners it is usually appropriate to discuss the child’s needs with their parents and healthcare professionals. The school nurse is in a unique position to be able to support and coordinate this.

Key points for nurses

• Many families find it difficult to ask for help and many people believe bowel and bladder problems are caused by poor parenting. If met with an inappropriate response or lack of understanding from health services, nurseries, schools or colleges these problems are compounded.
• Be aware that schools should support healthy bowels and bladders by encouraging children to remain hydrated. They should have half of their daily fluid requirement in core school hours.
• Schools should also ensure that pupils have access to clean, well-stocked toilets at intervals appropriate to the needs of the individual child.
• Children must not be refused admission to school due to continence difficulties.
• Learners who are known to have continence difficulties should be offered a care plan to ensure their individual needs are met in school.
• Parents should not be expected to come to school to change their children.

Find out more

• Bowel and Bladder UK
• Constipation in children and young people: Quality standard (NICE)
• Continence assessment form (Eric)
• Managing Bowel and Bladder Issues in Nurseries, Schools and Colleges (Eric)