Potty Training

Potty Training is an important milestone in your child’s development and is an essential skill they will need before they begin Reception or Primary School. All children develop at their own pace however research shows that it’s best for your child’s bowel and bladder health to stop using nappies (including reusable nappies, pull-ups and training pants) between 18 and 30 months.

This is a skill that nursery will work with you to achieve! We will follow your lead on how you want your child to be potty trained and their routine so that we can reflect what they have learnt at home, however we know it can be hard to know when and where to start.

Being out of nappies not only improves your child’s confidence, health and independence, it also allows their teachers to spend more time teaching and supporting their development in other ways.

When to start? Getting ready Setting up for success The Potty Training Guide – free download

How do I know when to start?

Almost all children can learn to potty training with the right support and guidance, including children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND for short), however children with SEND and/or sensory needs may need additional time and help.

Potty training should be seen as a process and not a single event. It happens over time and children can practice sitting on a potty or toilet from when they can sit up independently. It is a skill that is learnt through practice, guidance and a clear routine; the longer you wait to potty train your child, the harder it can be for your child to learn.

Some children will show that they are ready to begin potty training. For example, they may let you know when they are weeing or may show an interest in learning by copying their peers. However not all children will do this and most will never ask to stop wearing nappies as they have gotten used to them, or are comfortable with the familiarity.

Like mentioned before it is advised that you begin potty training when your child is 18 to 30 months old, depending on their capability.

Getting ready

For many children, it’s helpful to bypass the potty altogether and focus on using the toilet (with an appropriate seat, step and rails) instead. Not only does this get the child used to the environment of the bathroom for toileting, but it also helps to remove an additional transitional step by removing the need to then go from potty to toilet.

But whether choosing to start with a potty or go straight to the loo, there are lots of things you can do to help your child get ready to stop wearing nappies. You can start getting ready as soon as your child can sit up unaided.

1. Change nappies as soon as they are wet or soiled
This teaches your baby that it is healthy to be clean and dry. If you can, change their nappy in the bathroom to help them link it with wees and poos.


2. Introduce your child to a potty or toilet
by reading some of the great potty books available with your child, helping their favourite doll or toy have a ‘turn’ on it and then encouraging them to sit on it themselves.


3. Regular potty or toilet sitting practise
can begin once they have been introduced to the potty or toilet, building up to several times a day


4. Encourage a healthy diet and fluid intake
Give your child a diet which includes fibre (e.g. fruit, vegetables and brown bread) to help to avoid constipation, which can make potty training harder.


5. Drink plenty of water
divided between 6-8 drinks spread evenly through the day. When introducing solids, offer water in a cup.

Setting up for success

It is important that everyone works as a team when potty training!

If your family is doing potty training whilst your childminder or nanny doesn’t know, your child will become confused in what they are and aren’t supposed to be learning. This will extend the time it takes for potty training to succeed, so it is important that everyone is on the same page and understands what support and guidance the child needs.

Families are asked to inform nursery of their potty training routine and practice so we can practice the same routines here. That way we are reinforcing your child’s learning and, well, set them up for success!

Important Notice:

It is not the Gooseberry Bush’s sole responsibility for potty training your child. It is a team effort between us, yourselves and your family. We will always be here to support you, and follow the routine and practice you inform us of.

Useful links for families of children with SEND

Potty training advice and guidance specifically for families with children who have additional needs: