Primary school principals report more children starting school without toilet skills
Thursday 24 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story NZME, National Party
Principals are reporting an increase in new students who cannot use the toilet independently. At a Henderson primary school, approximately one quarter of new entrants lack these skills. Ash Maindonald, principal of Western Heights School, says the situation is becoming increasingly challenging.
Key facts
3 facts
- Constipation affects approximately one in three children and can impede toilet training
- One in five children has a disability that may impact toileting abilities
- The National Party has announced a 'School Start Check' for children at ECE
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Primary school principals are reporting that more children are starting school without the ability to use the toilet independently. At Western Heights School in Henderson, approximately one quarter of new entrants lack these skills. Principal Ash Maindonald stated that the situation is becoming more challenging, noting that many children cannot or will not wipe themselves and some soil themselves during the day.
The issue is placing pressure on teachers, as they cannot leave a classroom of 20 new entrants to provide toileting support. While there is no official data on the number of children lacking these skills, anecdotal reports from specialists, nurses, and educators suggest the trend is increasing. Paediatric nurse Lisa Smith noted that many children starting school are still wearing pull-ups.
The Early Childhood Council has stated that the sector is not seeing more children leave early childhood education unable to toilet independently. Chief executive Simon Laube suggested that more data is required to determine if these children attended early childhood education.
Potential causes for toileting difficulties include constipation, which affects about one in three children, as well as sensory or developmental issues. Smith noted that one in five children has a disability that could impact their ability to be fully toilet trained.
Compiled from reports by Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald.