Part time reception still

I think the poster who said changing children isn't an issue at all is meaning the school staff get on with it because they have to but unfortunately it is an issue, it is difficult to manage in a busy classroom. It's very much become part of the job for many TAs now but it does have an impact on others.

OP, what is she like at home? Does she do anything away from you? How does she eat at home? What is the plan for year 1 if she isn't used to full days still?

I am a primary school teacher and I completely agree that it falls to TA’s and T’s lots of the time it shouldn’t! But the parents of an SEN child shouldn’t put up with having their child put on a partial TT because of this issue. It’s a funding / government issue that shouldn’t limit the learning and education of a child. The school need to put things in place for the child or argue that their setting isn’t suitable so the child can then access special provision. They may well have already but it doesn’t sound that way. As it is, we have SEN children in mainstream school who can’t cope through no fault of their own missing out on learning and education. This child may never be toilet trained? Shall they stay on a partial TT their whole childhood?

Might be worth considering if it's possible to move back to nursery and repeat reception in September 2025

They can help to get her to drink more. They can encourage toilet visits or take her. Sometimes children need a little help and support. I’m suprised they would want her to go home early as usually they do the opposite.

The teachers at my kids school manage to give kids toilet reminders or take those who need it. It’s really not that hard and very common in reception!

It’s not a bespoke service - there are 29 other children to attend to as well.

OP I can see how this is frustrating but primary school isn’t childcare, it’s school. If your DD is struggling then she isn’t going to cope with a full day. Don’t you think they have her interests at heart too?

Ffs saying it's SEN that's not yet been diagnosed is just bs.

No, it isn’t bs. Not all DC have their SEN recognised on school entry. It isn’t uncommon for it to be recognised when they are older.

Not following statutory guidance is never ‘a good call’. There are other ways children and families can be supported with toilet training.

It turns out my head teacher made a good call because the two children involved are now able to attend school all day without a nappy. That's a good outcome for them. Ffs saying it's SEN that's not yet been diagnosed is just bs.

Cant they take her to the toilet at a set time? If she’s drunk enough won’t she do a wee?

I did read your post. You have completely missed my point. Neither you or the pp know the pupils don’t have SEN.

Your 2 examples cannot be extrapolated to a whole population.

Your headteacher should know they should not be requesting parents attend to change their DC.

I’m in the EXACT same position. 5 year old son has suspected autism and adhd (quite severe needs but waiting list in the area is 2+ year wait). He’s just got a draft of a ehcp before the final one, so hopefully this helps - but he’s only doing until 12.30 every single day due to his needs. My sister who’s a teacher stated that technically I could say to the school he IS doing full days and not pick him up till the end of the day and they’d be nothing they could do as they’d have to cater to that. But I don’t want to force him to be uncomfortable- yet I know he’s going to have to do it eventually so I’m kind of stuck.

How is the senco at her school? Can you apply for an ehcp? Do you have regular meetings to discuss how to move forward?

@BrightYellowTrain we had two dcs start our school last year with the parents insisting they needed to be in nappies. Our head said they had to come in and change them. Lo and behold, after a couple of weeks, they were able to go through the day without nappies. Also, as you obviously didn't read my post properly, I was quoting a PP who said some children without SEN attend school wearing pull ups.

Oh poor thing. I read the update so know it's not that she's not toilet trained it's that she won't use the toilets at school. My daughter was like that and still has to talk herself into it now and she's in high school. I don't think your wee one is ready for a longer day to be honest - she'll make herself unwell if she can't use the toilets and that just takes time for her to get used to it. Do they have a plan on how to help her? My daughter was allowed to bring her bestie and they'd stop anyone else using that toilet for a few weeks as it was the flushing and hand dryers that were hard for her.

If she can't use the toilet or eat and you can keep her home for the half day then I wouldn't argue with it. If you're missing work or there are other issues that's a different story.

I hope she settles soon

How do you know the pupils don’t have SEN? Just because they aren’t recognised as such on starting school doesn’t mean they don’t have SEN. Some won’t have a diagnosis &/or be classed as having SEN when they start school but will go on to be as they move through the school.

Do you think that's right? How on earth have we got to the stage where we think it's ok for children without any SEN to be starting school wearing nappies? I have worked in education since the mid 90s. It's only in the last two years have I seen children start school not being fully toilet trained. Even then, when our head refused to have her staff change nappies and told the parents they would have to come in, they miraculously became able to go without nappies.

Nursery coped fine with her

Nursery are set up for changing children
Nursery have a 1:8 ratio not a 1:15 or at times 1:30 ratio.
Nursery don't have the expectations of the levels they are expected to get 30 children to that teachers in school have.

I find the reaction to SEN kids starting school not toilet trained really frustrating. My daughter did not have the physical ability to be toilet trained for reception! She finally managed it in Y2, but still has regular accidents.

Hilarious.

You clearly don't know much about how difficult it is to get additional funding to support children with SEND.

I'm sorry you're in this situation.

You are within your rights to apply for an EHCP needs assessment yourself, but it's much stronger if it comes from the school. I'd recommend meeting with the SENCO and being explicit that this is needed.

The toileting shouldn't be a reason for part time. Have you been referred to your local paediatric bowel and bladder team?

My DD (Sen) has done a full time timetable since reception (now Y3) despite the school's initial concern. We were very clear to the school that it was their responsibility to ensure she had sufficient quiet time etc. She came into school with an EHCP which did help.

Some children only “bring in” £6,000 of funding. How on earth is that going to cover a full time member of staff?
Answer- it doesn’t so the rest comes out the schools limited budget and staff members are running round like headless chickens trying to look after children who need 1-2-1 attention.

Ask me how I know……

Yes up to £6000 per year - you think that equates to a TA each? I have a class of 30 with 8 SEN and 12 EAL and no TA.