School and toilet training.

Your child is almost four but not toilet trained during the day. That can be stressful if your child is about to go to school. Can a school refuse your child then? And is it a problem if your child already goes to primary school and sometimes has accidents?

Accidents happen

Your child might have an accident at school once. The teacher will help your child then. If it happens more often, ask the teacher to send your child to the toilet at set times.

After a big change, such as the birth of a brother or sister, a divorce, or a move, your child might have more accidents. Keep in good contact with the school about this. Usually, you do not have to worry and it will pass by itself.

More about preparing first school day

Not toilet trained going to school

Your child can also not be toilet trained at all when he or she goes to school for the first time. This is inconvenient, but a school can refuse your child then refuse.

In special education, there is more help to go to the toilet, but there a child who is not toilet trained can also be refused. Therefore, it is smart to talk with the school in time about toilet training.

Is there a medical reason why your child is not toilet trained? Then the school cannot refuse your child. Talk with the school about support options.

More about support at school

Agreements with the school

Fortunately, many schools accept children who are not toilet trained yet. The school then makes agreements with you as a parent. For example, that you come to school to change your child.

Five tips if your child is not toilet trained yet

Do not be ashamed
Not every child becomes toilet trained easily. Many children still practice toilet training in the kindergarten class.
Look at the options at school
Ask if the school has a protocol for toilet training. Does your child find school scary? Ask if your child can get used to the class earlier or more. Make agreements with the teacher about how to handle your child’s toilet training.
Match home with school
Try to do at home what helps your child with toilet training and fits what is possible at school. For example, teach your child to change after an accident or practice fixed toilet times that fit the school rhythm.
Do not put too much pressure on toilet training
It can take some time, but it will get better. Keep rewarding your child for every success and do not connect toilet training too much with going to primary school.
Ask for help
For example, ask daycare, playgroup, the advice clinic, or the doctor. At school you can contact the school doctor, internal support coordinator, or principal.