Doncaster Children's Specialist Community Nursing.

08/09/2026

SHARED FROM NSPCC
If the news of the UK Government's plans to ban social media for under-16 is on your mind, here's advice from our online safety experts to help support you and your child 👇
Image descriptions:
1. 'Talking to children about the social media ban. Swipe for advice from our online safety experts,' with an image of a parent and child walking out of an elevator. The adult is holding a phone.
2. 'Start with connection. Ask simple, open questions about what they enjoy and who they connect with online. This can help them feel understood, making it more likely they'll share what's on their mind,' with an image of Snapchat on a phone.
3. 'Talk about the changes together. Explain the changes are about safety and wellbeing, but you understand they may feel frustrating and unfair,' with an image of a parent and teenager holding phones, laughing.
4. 'Focus on skills, not just rules. Support them with learning how to recognise when something is wrong and ask for help when they need it as they grow,' with an image of two young people taking a selfie.
5. 'Keep the door open. Let your child know they can come to you about anything they see or experience online. And that they won't be in trouble for being honest,' with a close-up shot of a young person on a phone.

07/09/2026

SHARED FROM ERIC UK
Supporting a child with additional needs on their toilet training journey?
Toilet training can feel overwhelming, especially when your child needs extra support. The good news is that nearly all children can learn to be clean and dry. It may take longer and look different for every child, but it's an important life skill that can make a big difference to their independence and confidence.
That's why ERIC has created a helpful advice sheet packed with practical guidance for parents and carers, including:
🔵 Where to start
🔵 Spotting and managing constipation
🔵 Keeping the bladder healthy
🔵 Toilet training older children
🔵 Considering what extra support may help
🔵 Practical tips to help you get started with toilet training
📖 Read the advice sheet here

Children with additional needs, such as those with SEND, neurodivergence, or developmental delays, can still be toilet trained. Read our advice including managing constipation, encouraging hydration, and adapting bathroom environments.

04/09/2026

SHARED FROM The Sleep Charity
Going from late summer nights and lie-ins to early school mornings can be a shock – especially for teenagers.
You might be perfectly happy staying up until midnight (or later) during the holidays, only to find that when school starts, suddenly you’re expected to be asleep hours earlier and awake before you’ve had enough sleep.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong. Teenagers naturally tend to feel sleepy later at night than younger children and adults. Your body clock shifts during puberty, making it harder to fall asleep early and easier to sleep later in the morning.
But with a new school year approaching, there are things you can do to make the transition easier.

03/09/2026

SHARED FROM ERIC UK
Is your child worried about using the toilet at school? Whether they're getting ready to start or have already begun their school journey, we have some tips to help:
✅ Let the school know about your child's needs early and speak with their teacher or a member of the school support team. Show them the School toilets information on our website and if appropriate, complete an Individual Healthcare Plan like the one on our website and look at our Intimate Care Policy.
✅ Know the school's policies. If your child uses protective underwear or a reminder watch, check what support and provisions are available.
✅ Ask the school how you can connect with local support services, such as your school nursing team and parent/carer forums.
✅ Practise using toilets away from home so different flushes, cubicles, and hand dryers feel less intimidating.
✅ Choose easy-to-manage clothing. Elasticated waistbands and long socks are much easier than tricky buttons, zips, and tights. We have a range of protective underwear, vibrating watches and items such as TomTags and other visual aids in the ERIC shop.
✅ Get into a positive toilet routine at home, including regular toilet visits, using the toilet 20/30 minutes after eating breakfast, lunch and dinner and plenty of fluids,
✅ Check for constipation. It's very common in children and can have a big impact on toileting.
Need more information? Explore ERIC's guide for parents, carers and professionals to support with managing bowel and bladder issues in early years education settings, schools and colleges:

A guide for parents/carers and professionals to support children and young people across early years settings, schools and colleges.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

SHARED FROM Young Epilepsy
Starting secondary school is a big moment for any child. But when epilepsy is part of the picture, it comes with a few extra questions 💜
A bigger school. Different classrooms. New routines. Busier timetables. For a young person living with epilepsy, that shift can introduce new triggers, new staff who don't yet know their condition, and a much bigger ask of their independence.
If you're preparing for your child to head into secondary school, take a look at our top tips to make sure the right support is in place for them. And for a fuller guide on how to prepare your child for this transition, click here:

Read our practical guidance for supporting students with epilepsy as they move from primary to secondary school, with tips for families and teachers.

31/08/2026

The Long Term conditions teams are not working today due to the Bank holiday. Please see your local hospital for support.

28/08/2026

This bank holiday weekend, some NHS services may have different opening hours.
If you need urgent help, access NHS 111.
➡️ https://111.nhs.uk/ See less

28/08/2026

Struggling to get hold of epilepsy medication?
We know how stressful that can be for both young people and their families. 💊
Taking medication as prescribed is vital.
Tap the link below to find out how the Charlie Card can help.
👉 https://sudep.org/charlie-card/
SUDEP Action: Making every epilepsy death count

28/08/2026

Get ready for a special CBeebies Bedtime Story this Makaton International Awareness Day!

We can't wait to snuggle up and enjoy Mr Tumble reading The Acrobat on CBeebies this Friday, 28 August at 6.50pm.

What better way to round off MIAD 2026 than with an inclusive storytime together with Mr Tumble! 💛