Toilet Training
Your child should be fully toilet trained before entering the Nursery. This page will support you with potty training your child.
When to start potty training
Most parents start thinking about potty training when their child is between 2 and 2 and a half, but there's no perfect time. Some people find it easier to start in the summer, when there are fewer clothes to take off and washed clothes dry more quickly.
Try potty training when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child's or your family's routine. It's important to stay consistent, so you do not confuse your child.
If you go out, take the potty with you, so your child understands that you'd like them to wee or poo in the potty every time they need to go. Check that any other people who look after your child can help with potty training in the same way as you.
You can try to work out when your child is ready. There are a number of signs that your child is starting to develop bladder control:
- they know when they've got a wet or dirty nappy
- they get to know when they're peeing and may tell you they're doing it
- the gap between wetting is at least an hour (if it's less, potty training may fail, and at the very least will be extremely hard work for you)
- they show they need to pee by fidgeting or going somewhere quiet or hidden
- they know when they need to pee and may say so in advance
Potty training is usually fastest if your child is at the last stage before you start the training.
Please click on the link below to see recommended pages from the NHS website:
Potty Training Problems: click below for further support with potty training.
Berkshire Healthcare: Children, Young People and Families services website has helpful information regarding Toilet Training.
https://cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/health-and-development/toilet-training-and-bedwetting/toilet-training/
Berkshire Healthcare also offers Toilet Training Workshops for parents:
Some children struggle more than others when learning to use the toilet. This can be for a variety of reasons. We understand how very stressful this is for parents.
We offer free workshops for families in Berkshire covering:
- Toilet training – troubleshooting the difficulties you are experiencing
- How to help your child have a healthy bladder and bowel
- Specific information for families with a child or young person with additional needs
It also provides you with the opportunity for you to ask those difficult questions about toilet training in a safe space. Workshops could be face-to-face or online.
If you would like more information about courses, please complete this online form:
If you need further advice, guidance, or support please speak to a member of the Nursery Team who will refer you to our school nurse.
eric - The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity has information to support you whilst toilet training your child, including some helpful videos.
https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/