Toilet support is more of an issue than schools realise, according to leading campaign group ERIC: 1 in 12 pupils have continence issues, and schools have a statutory duty to support them.
And its not just children with continence issues that need support: Islamic Qadaa' al-Haajah requires washing one’s intimate parts with water after toileting, affecting a further 1 in 12 schoolchildren in England and Wales- a figure that has almost doubled in a decade .
Closomat, Britain’s leading provider of helpful toilet solutions at home and away, has thus developed a solution that enables schools to meet all these needs, in one.
The Closomat Palma Vita looks like a conventional WC, and has integrated douching and drying. Thus there is no need to manually cleanse with toilet tissue- by pupil or staff, and it satisfies Qadaa' al-Haajah criteria.
The shower action also cleans more thoroughly, consistently and hygienically than wiping- especially valid if dealing with a soiling incident- and the subsequent dying action ensures the pupil is comfortable afterwards. The washing and drying delivers more dignity and improved hygiene for all involved, and can play a key role in helping any of the 1.3m (15%) of pupils with special needs learn to self manage their toileting.
Closomat has devised a range of accessories for the Palma Vita that enables its adaptation to paediatric requirements, including support systems and smaller seats. Further, in conjunction with its partner Pressalit, it can equip a complete hygiene room with ceiling track hoist, height adjustable changing bench, privacy screen, shower and shower seat.
“School budgets are always under pressure, so equipment that can solve several problems in one has a strong case,” says Claire Haymes, Closomat’s away from home specialist. “Not only does our equipment help address the needs of Islamic or special needs pupils; with many schools now opening their doors for community use ‘out of hors’ it means any disabled visitors can also be assured of having access to appropriate toileting- very much an issue for them when away from home.”
To help schools get the toilet provision right, Closomat has also produced a useful white paper- http://www.clos-o-mat.com/images/downloads/schools_white_paper.pdf. It can be downloaded free on the company’s website www.clos-o-mat.com, alongside a raft of support information including NBS specifications, CAD blocks, technical diagrams. Uniquely, the family-owned company has the capability, in-house, to offer design advice, supply, install, commissioning and subsequent service & maintenance.