Across the country 1 in 4 children are not toilet trained when they start Reception. This means staff pulled away from teaching, extra pressures in the classroom and children beginning their education without the independence they need.

Potty training is an important milestone in your child's development. It's really important that children are out of nappies well in advance of starting Reception year in school. The only exception should be children with a diagnosed medical need such as a bladder or bowel condition, or in the case of children with a significant neurodivergent profile who are not yet able to recognise the need to use the toilet.

The free Potty Training Guide has been developed by the early years sector and offers clear, research-based guidance around when and  how to potty train. Evidence shows that the best time to stop using nappies, including reusable nappies, pull-ups and training pants for bowel and bladder health is between 18-30 months.

The Potty Training Guide is part of Starting Reception - a definition of the life-skills children need when they start school. This is now available in Polish and Ukrainian as well as 10 other languages by clicking on the burger menu in the top right-hand corner of the webpage.

For more information see The Potty Training Guide