Councillor slams parents for failing to toilet train their children as he claims an infant school has been forced to hire a professional 'nappy changer' to deal with problem
- School in Walsall, West Midlands, reportedly hired a nappy changer for pupils
- Report claims that some children there are unable to hold a pen properly
- Others are said to struggle turning pages or washing their hands and faces
A primary school has hired a professional nappy changer because too many of its pupils are not yet toilet trained, a councillor has claimed.
Claims about the unnamed school in Walsall has led to letters being sent to parents listing the skills children should have before they start.
Many youngsters are three years behind according to Chris Towe, the council's portfolio holder for education, who reported to colleagues on Monday.
The school has hired a professional nappy changer for children who are not yet toilet trained (file photo)
Pupils at the West Midlands school are unable to hold a pen properly, with some also struggling with cutlery, Birmingham Live reports.
Some supposedly can't wash their hands and faces properly and other areas in which the children struggle include turning pages, going to the toilet and still wearing nappies.
Councillor Towe's report also highlighted issues surrounding holding conversations with adults and wearing nappies.
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He said that children up to the age of five are still wearing nappies at one infant school.
'This can't go on and I have had total support from schools and nurseries over this,' he said.
'The letter will give advice on what they can do or where they can get help but this is a first step to try to engage with parents so they understand their responsibilities.'
The report heard at Walsall Council (pictured) has revealed that some pupils are even incapable of holding a pen properly
His Labour colleague Diana Coughlan blamed the scrapping of Sure Start Centres and says that it leaves vulnerable families behind.
The NHS website says that by the age of four children are expected to use the toilet during the day, though some may wet the bed at night.
Skills that children of that age are expected to have include being able to brush their teeth as well as dress and undress.
Holding books correctly and turning pages are also expected of pupils that age, as is the ability to draw simple shapes.
Guidelines say the youngsters should be able to use scissors, string beads, listen to details, retell stories and recognise their own names.
