Can Teaching Assistants Refuse to Change Nappies?

Let’s be honest—changing nappies isn’t the first thing people think of when applying to be a teaching assistant. But can you actually say no to it? The answer depends on a few important details.

For many TAs, this task comes as a surprise. It’s not in the training. It’s not in the job advert. Yet suddenly, there you are—nappy in one hand, gloves in the other. So let’s get into it. Can teaching assistants refuse to change nappies? Yes. But also… maybe not. It depends on what you signed up for, what training you’ve had, and what support you’ve been given.

Check Your Job Description

First things first. If your job description doesn’t say anything about intimate care or nappy changing, you usually don’t have to do it. That’s the line. Your JD is your to-do list. It’s what you agreed to when you took the role. Anything not on it is a grey area.

That said, some schools add “intimate care” into every TA role. So it could be in there already, hiding behind vague words like “supporting personal needs” or “general care tasks.”

If it is in the job description, and you signed that contract, it becomes part of the job. If not? You can refuse. Politely. Professionally. But firmly.

Volunteering vs. Being Told

Even when it’s not required, many TAs help anyway. Why? Because they care. Because the child needs them. Because sometimes, it feels easier to just get on with it.

But here’s the truth: choosing to help is not the same as being obligated. If you do it out of kindness, that’s your choice. If someone expects you to do it without checking your contract or giving you training, that’s a problem.

Schools should never guilt-trip or pressure you. That’s not professional. That’s not okay.

When Saying No Is Absolutely the Right Thing

Let’s be real. Some situations are just not safe, not fair, and not part of your job. Here are the big ones:

No Training? No Way.

If you haven’t been trained properly, don’t do it. That’s not you being difficult. That’s you protecting the child and yourself. Every intimate care task should come with proper instruction, PPE, and clear expectations.

Unsafe Facilities? Nope.

You shouldn’t change a child in a corner with no privacy or in a room without the right equipment. If the space isn’t clean, safe, and respectful, it’s okay to refuse.

Safeguarding Red Flags? Walk Away.

If something doesn’t feel right—like being alone with a child when policy says you shouldn’t—raise the alarm. Safeguarding always comes first.

It’s Medical, Not Just Personal.

Changing a nappy is personal care. But changing a stoma bag? Cleaning a wound? That crosses into medical care. Unless you’ve had specific training and agreed to that level of responsibility, you can absolutely say no. Unions like UNISON are crystal clear about this.

Can Teaching Assistants Refuse to Change Nappies? Yes—With Good Reason

Let’s spell it out: yes, you can refuse. But you need to go about it the right way.

Start by speaking to your line manager. Put it in writing. Explain why you can’t perform the task. Is it not in your contract? Do you lack training? Are there safeguarding concerns? Spell it out.

Then, speak to your union. Groups like UNISON and GMB are there to back you. They’ll tell you what’s reasonable, what’s expected, and how to protect yourself. Don’t try to handle it alone.

And no, don’t just walk off or avoid the situation. That doesn’t help you, and it certainly doesn’t help the child. Handle it with care and clarity.

What Might Happen Next

Your school might respond in a few ways. They could:

• Offer training so you feel confident.
• Adjust the task or change who does it.
• Try to update your job description (which you must agree to first).

If they try to force the issue without fixing the problem, that’s a bigger issue. That’s when unions or HR need to step in.

Schools Have a Role Too

Schools can avoid all this drama by doing a few simple things:

Clear Job Descriptions

Spell out what’s expected from day one. No surprises. No vague language.

Strong Policies

Every school should have an intimate care policy. This should explain when, where, how, and by whom care is given. It should protect the child’s dignity and your rights.

Proper Training

No one should guess how to care for a child. If a task is sensitive, schools must train staff properly.

Respect for Refusal

Refusing isn’t being rude. It’s about knowing limits. Schools should understand that and respect it.

Bigger Picture: Respect and Realism

This whole issue really boils down to one thing: respect. TAs work hard. They wear a hundred hats. But that doesn’t mean they should do everything all the time, no questions asked.

Respect means clear contracts. Respect means proper training. Respect means asking, not assuming. And most importantly? Respect means listening when someone says, “I can’t do this.”

Final Word

Can teaching assistants refuse to change nappies? Yes, when there are good reasons. Your contract, your training, and your safety matter.

Don’t guess. Don’t feel guilty. Know your rights, speak up, and get support.

You’re not just there to help. You’re a trained professional. And every professional has limits—even the caring ones.

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