Teachers given guidance on children who still wear nappies

The move comes amid claims a growing number of parents are failing to potty train their children before sending them to primary school.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has responded to the situation by offering guidance to its members, suggesting it should not be the responsibility of a teacher to change a nappy.

Meanwhile Rosemary Stokes, chairman of teaching union Voice, is helping to draw up guidance for schools in Leicester.

A spokeswoman for ATL said increasing numbers of four- and five-year-olds are beginning school without being potty-trained and parents should prioritise the practice.

"Teachers are very concerned about the welfare of children, which is why they have raised this as an issue," she said.

"The number of working mothers has increased quite dramatically over the years but making sure a child is potty-trained greatly increases their independence and dignity.

"Sadly those that are not potty-trained are at greater risk of being stigmatised by their peers."

The ATL suggests that members make it clear to headteachers that if they do carry out nappy-changing duties it is being done on a voluntary basis.