We accept all children here at Pensilva Pre-school regardless of what stage of their potty training journey they are at, whether they are still reliant on nappies or are considered to be “dry”.

We recommend all children bring spare named clothing in their bags in case of accidents and children who are still in nappies should bring in enough for each day in their bag or if preferred we can keep larger quantities in Pre-school. We do keep a supply of nappy changing facilities in school if needed. 

Toilet training preschool children focuses on helping them learn to use the toilet independently. This involves recognizing when they need to go, getting to the toilet, and managing their clothing and hygiene. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to success. 

It’s important to look for signs of readiness to potty train, such as the ability to stay dry for longer periods and awareness of needing to go. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to a successful potty-training journey
Starting the potty training too early will usually result in failure, frustration, and a child who is determined not to use the toilet at all. It’s best to wait until they are showing signs of readiness, which come at different ages. Ideally, you should start training between the ages of two and two and a half, but some children show signs much earlier than this and others may not be ready until a little later.
Every child is different, which is why you should pay close attention to how they react to nappy changes, mentions of the toilet, and when they need to go. Keep in mind that boys tend to be ready later than girls and it may be a longer process with them, as well. Every child has their own timeline, so be patient.

Here are the signs that your child is ready to start potty training:
1. They stay dry for periods of time. When your child can hold their urine for an hour or two without wetting their nappy, you know that they have enough bladder control to use the potty.

2. They know when they need to wee. You’ll notice your toddler stops to wee and may even tell you that they have to go.

3. They want to be changed once they are wet or dirty. Your toddler may no longer wish to be dirty or wet and will show you their nappy needs changing by requesting a change, removing their nappy, or just pulling on it.

4. They show signs of having to use the toilet. When your little one begins to squat to poo or goes off to hide while they fill their nappy, that’s a very good sign that they are quite aware of what needs to be done. Recognising the need to wee or poo is necessary if they are to use the toilet.

5. They tell you they need to wee. If they can tell you what they’re going to do ahead of time, they can get to the toilet.
Potty Training for Nursery School
If you are working on potty training, it is essential that you communicate with us at Pre-school to let us know that you are doing this. Then we can keep up with the training and help your child achieve consistency throughout their day. This is also the best way to prevent your little one from reverting to nappies because they still use them whilst here.

There is no one way to potty train and since every child is different, there are a variety of techniques. Some people swear by leaving their child to run about naked for several days until they have mastered the ability to use the potty, while others take a more measured approach. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as you are gentle about it.
You should never force your child to sit on the potty, as this can cause unpleasant feelings to be associated with it, but you can make it a fun time to sit there. Read a book to them, play a game, or sing a song and make it an activity that they enjoy.
It’s also important to sit your child on the potty at a time when they are more likely to go to the bathroom. For many children, realizing that the potty is where they can wee or poo is the catalyst to using it regularly. They just need one success and they’re off! This means putting your child on the potty right after a meal, since this often causes a bowel movement.
If your child tends to go at a certain time of day, you can make a point of putting them on the potty at that time and encouraging them to use it. Some children will simply wait until they have their nappy back, but in that case, simply wait a few weeks to try again. You may also try to do the same if you notice your child exhibiting signs of needing to use the toilet.

Below you can find some useful links that could help with the toilet training process:

How to potty train – NHS                                            

Information for families

Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train – ERIC

Toilet anxiety and toilet phobia in children – ERIC

Supporting children to feel more comfortable around poo – ERIC

Toilets-and-school-readiness.pdf

Wee and Poo Checker