Toilet training
How to support babies and young children with toilet training in your early years setting.
This article was written by the Department for Education (DfE) in consultation with senior health professionals in the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
Using the toilet is a new skill that children need to learn. You can play an important role in supporting children and their parents or carers with toilet training.
When to start toilet training
Every child’s development is unique. Some children can be toilet trained earlier and faster than others. It is important to support children to learn at their own pace.
The advice on when to start toilet training children can vary. NHS guidance explains that most children are ready to begin toilet training from around 18 months to 2 years. However, some people may choose to start earlier.
Starting toilet training after 2 and a half to 3 years can make it harder for some children to learn this new skill.
Different cultures may start toilet training at different ages. Toilet training should be guided by the child’s parents or carers. It is important to respect parental preferences during the process.
How to toilet train
The NHS provides advice on how to potty train.
ERIC, The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, has helpful information and resources on toilet training in early years settings.
Their 3 step ‘Let’s Go Potty’ approach is broken down into stages:
- Preparation
- Practice
- Stop using nappies
Toilet training challenges
It is not uncommon for children who are toilet trained and reliably clean and dry at home, to start having accidents when they begin at an early years setting.
To support children in your care you can:
- follow the advice the NHS provide on common toilet training problems
- review the information ERIC has on potential solutions for toilet training problems
Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Almost all children can learn to be clean and dry, including children with SEND. Some children may find toilet training more difficult. These children need extra time and effort with toilet training.
If children keep wearing nappies after they are ready for toilet training, it might be harder for them to get used to using the toilet in a new place.
Review the information and advice from:
- Contact on toilet training for families with children living with a disability
- ERIC on toilet training children with additional needs
Working in partnership
It is vital that you work closely with parents, carers and specialists to give children consistent messages about toilet training.
You should help parents and carers understand the importance of toilet training in the early years. This will help children in your care get ready for the transition to school. You can share with parents and carers The Institute of Health Visiting’s advice and tips on toilet training.
Where a child is struggling with toilet training, it would be helpful to encourage parents and carers to talk to their GP or health visitor.
You could also discuss concerns with your:
- supervisors, managers, or senior leaders
- local authority
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
When getting external support, make sure to engage parents and carers in the process at all stages. This includes involving them in:
- sharing their thoughts
- assessing their child’s needs
- planning next steps
- reviewing their child’s progress