Potty training is a major milestone for both children and parents, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your child transition smoothly. When you are ready to toilet train your child, we are happy to help.
Like any other skill, your child will learn, it will take time and practice and pushing them before they are ready may lead to your child becoming distressed and anxious about going to the toilet and more stress for you!
On the other hand, if you don't get started when your child is showing signs, this can affect their independence, not to mention the ongoing impact on the environment of using nappies.
Your child's key person in Sapling class is on hand, ready to support you both through this journey. Have a chat with them whenever you're thinking of getting started.
Please be aware of the following protocol that your child’s key persons will follow: Once you have introduced potty training to your child at home, we will start encouraging your child to sit on the toilet (child size) at Pre-School. We will try to copy your routine as closely as possible to maintain continuity for your child.
We will take the children to the toilet training area at regular intervals throughout the day. We will ask the children often if they need to use the toilet and have visual prompts and reminders in the classroom.
We will use a variety of techniques to praise and encourage your child to use the toilet successfully e.g. sticker system. Children will be given adequate time to sit on the potty or toilet and will not be rushed through the process. Staff will remain in close proximity whist the child is sitting on the toilet or potty.
When toilet training, we strongly recommend you don’t use ‘pull ups’.
Your child needs to wear suitable clothing when toilet training (no belts, dungarees or vests with poppers).
Whilst your child is toilet training their key person will keep you informed on their progress.
Accidents will be dealt with calmly, sympathetically and in a way which does not make the child think they have done wrong.
We request that if your child is toilet training you bring in sufficient spare clothes for the staff to dress your child if they should happen to have an accident. (This includes spare socks) Croc type shoes are fantastic during this phase as we can wash and dry them easily.
We understand that due to changes in routines or at home some children may regress. If your child has been dry for a while and they begin to have accidents your key person will work with you and support your child through this time. They will not be put back into a nappy as this may make them more insecure but will be encouraged more than usual to use the toilet/potty.
Staff will all wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if they need to give direct contact support to the children whilst using the potty or toilet. Staff are requested to dispose of these in the appropriate manner and wash hands immediately.
Staff will sing, talk and smile at the children throughout potty and toilet training and give lots of praise and encouragement.
We would expect all children to be fully toilet trained by the time they move on to Pre-school. It is therefore important to start this process early.
If you have any concerns that your child may not be fully toilet trained by the time they are due to move into this age group (due to a diagnosed medical condition for example) you must speak to a member of the Pre-School team as early as possible so a support plan can be put in place.
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