22 New Manx Pupils Started School Not Toilet Trained

Twenty-two children who started reception classes in September 2025 weren’t toilet trained, the House of Keys has been told, prompting what can only be described as a slightly awkward but very grown-up conversation.

Education Minister Daphne Caine confirmed the figure in response to a question from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, who bravely raised the issue during Tuesday’s sitting.

The number excludes pupils attending specialist provision centres and represents about 3.25% of the island’s 676-strong reception intake, meaning most children arrived ready for phonics, finger painting and independent bathroom visits.

Mrs Caine told members that parents can access support through preschool health visitor checks, while schools and school nurses can work together to put support plans in place where toileting has been affected by trauma or additional needs.

She also stressed schools are ‘very good’ at managing pupils as they arrive, presumably with patience, wipes and a strong sense of professionalism.

The minister confirmed the department does not hold a school-by-school breakdown, sparing everyone the temptation to start guessing.

The discussion comes amid wider concerns in the UK, where surveys suggest growing numbers of children are starting school needing help with basic skills, including using the toilet.

On the Isle of Man, at least, it seems most pupils are still getting the hang of it before their first PE lesson.