School Nursing Continence Service

Bladder and bowel problems are common in children and young people, and they can happen at any age. These may include:

Bedwetting
Daytime wetting
Constipation
Soiling

Our School Nursing Service can support you. If you feel you would benefit from additional support, you can the School Nursing Continence Team through your local school nursing team.

You can also explore the information and resources below, designed to help you understand and support your child or young person’s continence needs with practical advice and guidance

Bedwetting

Bedwetting (also known as enuresis) is a common medical condition and is never a child’s fault. There are three main reasons why bedwetting happens:

The bladder may not be able to stretch enough to hold all the urine produced overnight
The body may produce too much urine during the night
The child may not wake when their bladder signals that it is full

Bedwetting can be caused by one or a combination of these factors. It is important to understand that it does not happen because a child is being lazy or behaving badly.

Living with bedwetting can affect a child’s confidence and may make them feel embarrassed or upset. The positive news is that bedwetting is very common and there are effective treatments and support available.

Find out more about Bedwetting reasons and how to stop it.

Read information about enuresis.

Day time wetting

Daytime bladder problems are common in children, especially in younger children who have recently completed potty training.

In some cases, daytime wetting can be linked to constipation, which can affect how the bladder works. Understanding the underlying cause is an important step in managing these symptoms.

The resources below can help families understand daytime wetting and related bladder issues, such as frequency and urgency, and provide practical advice on how to support your child.

Read further advice: Daytime bladder problems – A guide for parents and carers.

Constipation

Constipation is very common in children, with around one in three affected at some point. It often begins during key stages such as potty training. A child who is constipated may have infrequent bowel movements, or pass hard, dry stools that are difficult or painful to pass.

Common causes and risk factors

Functional constipation – This is the most common type. It means there is no underlying medical condition, but the bowel is not working as well as it should.
Underlying medical conditions – Rarely, constipation may be linked to conditions such as Hirschsprung’s disease or spina bifida. These are often identified early in life, but not always.
Diet and fluids – Not drinking enough fluids or having a low‑fibre diet can make stools hard and difficult to pass.
Illness and medication – Some illnesses (such as stomach bugs) can lead to dehydration, and certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect.
Additional needs – Children with conditions such as autism or a learning disability are more likely to experience bowel problems.
Changes in routine or emotional factors – Events such as starting potty training or school, or feeling anxious or worried, can make it harder for children to relax and use the toilet regularly.

If you are concerned that your child may be constipated, please contact your GP for advice and appropriate treatment.

Soiling

Soiling is when a child passes stool anywhere other than the toilet, such as in their underwear. This can be upsetting for both children and parents.

Soiling is often linked to constipation. When the bowel becomes full, softer stool can leak around the blockage without the child realising. It is important to understand that this is not the child’s fault and is not due to them being naughty or lazy.

Read advice about Soiling (encopresis) in children – and causes and treatment.

Teenagers

Bladder and bowel issues can also affect teenagers and young people. These difficulties can impact confidence, social activities and overall wellbeing.

Bladder & Bowel UK provide a range of helpful resources for teenagers and young adults, including advice on managing bladder and bowel problems and maintaining good bladder and bowel health.