Toileting and continence in schools: why it’s about mental as well as physical health

In this episode we are talking about toileting and continence. It’s still seen as a taboo subject – something that our guest, Thrive Licensed Practitioner, Cathryn Giles, is passionate about changing. 

Cathryn is an Early Years Transition Worker in the Education Service at Cardiff Council. As part of her role, Cathryn does outreach works with schools in Cardiff to support pupils who are having problems with continence and toileting. This includes a wide range of issues across all age groups – from very young children who insist on staying in nappies through to teenagers who have stomas or catheters. 

Listen in to discover:   

• How emotional wellbeing can affect toileting behaviours – and why it’s important to take a holistic and nurturing approach 

• How she uses Thrive to support pupils who are having problems 

• How Covid has impacted on toileting issues – from online GP appointments through to disruptions to baby and toddler groups  

• How classroom staff can support pupils who may be embarrassed about problems with toileting and continence 

• Cathryn’s four top tips to help pupils of all age groups to have good bladder and bowel health 

• How schools can get children involved in making their loos a better environment so that they feel calm and relaxed when they go