Potty Training at home
Supporting Your Child’s Potty Training Journey
Learning to use the potty or toilet is an important milestone in a child’s development. At First Steps Nursery, we work closely with families to ensure that potty training is a positive, consistent, and supportive experience for every child.
When Is the Best Time to Start?
Current evidence suggests that children benefit from beginning their potty learning journey from around 18 months of age. Research indicates that most children are capable of developing the skills needed for toilet independence between 18 and 30 months.
Every child develops at their own pace, and potty training should be viewed as a gradual learning process rather than something that happens overnight. Starting early with gentle encouragement and practice helps children develop confidence and independence.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready
Your child may be showing some of the following signs:
- Showing interest in the toilet or potty
- Telling you when they have a wet or dirty nappy
- Staying dry for longer periods
- Following simple instructions
- Wanting to be more independent
- Attempting to pull trousers up and down
- Showing awareness of when they are weeing or pooing
How Parents Can Support Potty Training at Home
Consistency between home and nursery is key. You can support your child by:
- Talking positively about using the potty or toilet.
- Introducing simple words such as “wee”, “poo”, “potty”, and “toilet”.
- Encouraging regular potty sits, particularly after meals and before bath time.
- Dressing your child in easy-to-remove clothing.
- Celebrating successes with praise and encouragement.
- Remaining calm and reassuring if accidents happen.
- Encouraging good hygiene habits, including handwashing.
Remember that accidents are a normal part of learning and should never be treated as a failure.
How We Support Potty Training at Nursery
Our staff work in partnership with families to provide a consistent approach. We support children by:
- Offering regular opportunities to use the potty or toilet.
- Providing gentle reminders and encouragement.
- Praising children’s efforts and achievements.
- Supporting independence with dressing, wiping, and handwashing.
- Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress throughout the day.
- Working together to identify the most suitable time to begin potty training.
Useful Information and Resources
For further guidance on potty training, please visit:
Useful websites:
ERIC: https://eric.org.uk/potty-training/
NHS Start for Life: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/
NHS Toilet Training Information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/potty-training-and-bedwetting/how-to-potty-train/
If you would like support with potty training, please speak to your child’s key person who will be happy to work alongside you throughout the process.
