School Potty Training Initiative
Twenty English Councils Plan Potty-Training Schemes to Help Children Start School Nappy-Free
Anonymous
Around one in four children in England reportedly started Reception in nappies or not fully toilet-trained in 2025, which can take teachers’ time and disrupt lessons. In York, a pilot combining parent guides, workshops and early-years staff training was associated with a fall in pupils starting school not toilet-trained from 11% to 6%, a 43% decrease. About 20 English councils plan similar support, including sending guidance with primary school offers. An early-years expert says children can practise using a potty from around six to nine months and are often ready to leave nappies between 18 and 30 months. Some commentators and politicians have criticised the plans, arguing toilet training should remain parents’ responsibility.
Key Points
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A Government poll cited by The Sun found that six in ten parents did not think it was important for children to be toilet-trained before starting school.
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Teachers reported spending an average of 1.4 hours a day dealing with toileting mishaps, according to the survey reported by the Daily Mail.
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York’s support reached families through GP surgeries, pharmacies, family hubs, schools and nurseries, in addition to the guides and workshops.
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The government described the pilot’s results as “encouraging” and said it remained committed to having 75% of pupils reach a good level of development by the end of their first school year by 2028.
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