Hi Hilary,

I don't have a proforma as such but I create a basic transition table with 3 columns -

Area of school/need i.e. Personal Care -

Concern - Access to bathroom facilities and

Possible Solution-

• Ensure timetable allows for close proximity to appropriate toileting/personal care facilities
• Can classrooms be used for more than one subject?
• Does student need a time out card or discreet way of requesting to leave the lesson to use facilities?
• Are there spare clothing lockers within the facilities?
• Do more accessible bathroom spaces need to be created? The LA should be able to help with major adaptation costs
• Do you require hygiene units to dispose of products?
• Can the young person manage own personal care or does he/she require support?
• Are staff trained in moving and handling?
• Are Hoist systems needed/in place?
• Are changing couches in place?
• Consider discrete ways to manage accidents within the classroom - i.e. blanket to cover up any soiled clothing, Some way Teacher can distract the rest of class whilst student leaves the room discreetly (This will obviously need to be discussed with the appropriate teachers in advance i.e. a code, protocol to follow).
• Support for students mental health if appropriate as it can be a very embarrassing time for them.
• Discrete awareness training for other students. Perhaps a specialist continence nurse could support with this? The family will should have one already supporting them.

Best wishes, Donna

Thank you Donna. You have raised points that I hadn’t really thought about. That is very helpful.

You are very welcome -It is my job and I have to say I really love doing it, although the current times a quite challenging!!!

This Forum is great and I have had some good advice so I am happy to share what I can when I can 🙂

May I second that - I find this forum so helpful. Things crop up that I have not even thought of and I feel I am always learning - One of the rare email links I look forward to these days 🙂