A new guidance initiative has been launched to assist parents with potty training as a significant number of children are starting school without being toilet-trained. The guidance recommends parents to engage their children in reading toilet-training books while using the potty, allowing them to practice with toys or dolls, and maintaining a diet rich in fiber and water to prevent constipation.
According to a recent study, a quarter of children entering school lack basic life skills, leading to a loss of over two hours of teaching time per day. Kindred Squared, an early years charity, developed the guidance endorsed by the Departments for Education and Health & Social Care.
Historically, the majority of children were out of nappies by 18 months in past decades, but recent statistics show a decline in toilet-training readiness. The recommended age for children to be out of nappies is between 18-30 months, barring any medical conditions.
Keir Starmer has set a goal for 75% of five-year-olds to be school-ready by 2028. Kindred has been at the forefront of efforts to prepare children for school, providing guidance for parents on essential skills such as using cutlery, sharing toys, dental hygiene, and organizing belongings.
Felicity Gillespie, Director of Kindred Squared, emphasized the importance of toilet training in boosting children’s confidence and facilitating better teaching opportunities. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised the new guidance as a valuable resource for parents to prepare their children for school effectively.