By Amy Jordan, Coram PACEY Advisor

In the 1970s and 1980s, 83% of children were out of nappies by 18 months old. Today, 1 in 4 children start reception in nappies. This can impact their overall health and confidence, and reduce the amount of time they are able to spend learning in the classroom. To best aid children’s development, potty training should be reframed as a process with several stages that can begin around 18 months or earlier. So what can childminders do to support with potty training?

Source: www.startingreception.co.uk  

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​Understand what’s changed recently 

The latest government guidance published in January 2026 encourages starting the potty training process between 18-30 months. The majority of children, including those with additional needs, are capable of mastering the skills involved at this age. Previously, the advice suggested waiting for signs of readiness from the child. Many children today may not show these signs until much later on, as modern nappies are so effective at keeping a child dry. This means there is less motivation to potty train, as they do not feel wet or uncomfortable.  

Know the reasons why potty training earlier is beneficial 

There are many compelling reasons to begin the potty training process between 18-30 months. These can benefit both the child and the parent, as it: 

• Promotes the development and control of bladder and bowel muscles  

• Reduces the risk of constipation 

• Increases a child’s confidence and communication skills 

• Encourages a child’s independence and self-care skills  

• Ensures the child is ready for school 

• Saves money on nappies! 

Plus, the earlier a child is supported to potty train, the less resistance they can have to the process as there is less to ‘unlearn’. 

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Share this information with parents 

As the guidance has recently changed, many parents may not be aware of this new information. There is lots of help out there that you can signpost to parents: from when to start, how to start, and tips on managing the ups and downs of the journey. Many will appreciate this as it can be tricky to know where to find reputable information in today’s social media age. Here are a few suggestions to begin with: 

• UK Government: The Potty Training Guide – Starting Reception 
• ERIC The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity: Potty training – ERIC 
• Cbeebies Parenting: Potty Training – When to potty train, how to start potty training, potty training regression and bedwetting – BBC Tiny Happy People

Encourage a joined up approach between parents and your setting 

In your setting, you can introduce the language around potty training as early as possible! Talking about wees, poos, pants and potties normalises these concepts and begins to build the child’s awareness and understanding. Role play with dolls and teddies can also be a playful way to encourage these conversations, along with potty training books.  

Talking to your families about why you are doing this can be an eye opener for some parents, who may never have considered toileting from this perspective before. Encouraging them to do the same at home will help to promote a consistent approach, and will reinforce what they are learning in their time at your setting. 

As soon as a child can sit up independently, they can begin to practise sitting on a potty or toilet – again, alongside continuing to introduce new vocabulary such as toilet roll, washing hands, soap etc.  

When a child is ready to start wearing pants, supporting the parents by following the same routines in your setting as at home ensures that joined up approach. As the potty training process involves connecting a wide range of different skills, a child needs as much time, support and encouragement as possible to achieve success, from all the people involved in their care. 

A problem shared… 

Potty training can be a frustrating process; but like all things with young children, it will pass by sooner than you think and become a distant memory. Making a start as early as possible will help to ease the child through the stages. Keep the conversation going with your parents and check in with how they’re feeling – it can be very reassuring to know you’re not alone! 

Consider your own wellbeing too, and use your support network if you’re finding it tough. Don’t forget the Practice Advisors are here for you Monday-Friday, 6.30-9.00pm if you have any questions or need support with potty training.