How children and teenagers with bowel and bladder problems are treated whilst they're at school and the cleanliness and accessibility of school toilets is a huge concern for many parents and carers. There is also a need to increase teachers' awareness of the frequency of continence problems in young people, and to provide guidance on how best to provide support at school according to new research conducted by the University of Bristol.

In response, ERIC, the UK's leading continence charity, have launched a new area of their website 'Help at school' outlining best practice guidance designed to improve schools' policies in relation to toilets and toileting.

Features include: 

• Information on the health problems associated with poor quality toilets and restricted access
• A template Individual Healthcare Plan to ensure the needs of children with continence problems are being met
• Free resources designed to help school's improve their toilet facilities including ERIC's School Toilet Charter and a template school toilet policy
• Links to up-to-date legislation and government guidelines 
• An FAQs page with answers to commonly asked questions about continence issues in schools
• Details of training courses provided by ERIC to help school staff implement best practice when managing pupils' bowel and bladder problems

Schools can use the information to avoid discriminating against pupils with bowel and bladder conditions and make sure that the children and teenagers in their care are fully supported. Parents and pupils can use the information to encourage schools to improve their policies and their toilets. 

Juliette Randall, ERIC Chief Executive, said: "We hear time and again from parents calling our confidential helpline about the traumatic experiences their children and teenagers face at school. At ERIC, we are passionate about raising awareness of the impact of continence issues as well as providing strategies to improve the school experience for young people."

See our Help at school section for further guidance

Read the University of Bristol's 'Left out and left behind report'