Managing Bladder and Bowel Issues in Nurseries, Schools and Colleges

Continence conditions are among the most common health issues affecting children and young people. The impact can be profound on a child or young person’s life. However, they are poorly understood and supported. Bladder and bowel difficulties are associated with stigma, embarrassment and shame; they cause avoidance of school trips and sleepovers; they impact social interactions, wellbeing, educational attainment and progress.

“I can’t remember a time I wasn’t bullied because of my wetting problem. At junior school I would have regular accidents and be taunted constantly in the playground for ‘smelling like fish’. I didn’t have any friends. I always wanted to sit inside at break to avoid the bullies”. Beccie

Many people incorrectly believe that issues are the result of poor parenting or delayed development. The Bladder and Bowel UK and ERIC helplines hear daily from families who are left with feelings of despair due to struggling alone with the burdens of disturbed sleep, constant washing and having to take unplanned time off work due to the unpredictability of soiling and/or wetting ‘accidents’.

Against this background, many families find it difficult to ask for help. If they are met with an inappropriate response or lack of understanding from health services, nursery, school or college their problems are compounded. Motivated by this and because we know that educational settings aim to provide the best learning environment for their pupils, the charities, Bladder and Bowel UK and ERIC have teamed up to provide comprehensive, clear, concise and practical information to nurseries, schools and colleges about continence issues.

We hope this guidance will raise awareness of the prevalence and range of different continence conditions, encourage positive action between school and home whilst providing information and strategies for preventing and managing bladder and bowel conditions in educational settings. If implemented, we feel confident that in the future no young person will express their continence difficulties as “not life threatening, but life ruining” and will be able to fully engage with education, so they reach their full potential.

Please see the full guidance for further information (PDF, 621.2 KB).