Parents will receive updated advice on toilet training as a significant number of children begin school without this skill. This situation is causing teachers to spend considerable time assisting children with basic tasks, diverting their focus from regular lessons.
A new guidance resource introduced today recommends that parents engage children with toilet-training books while using the potty or toilet. It also suggests allowing children to practice with a favorite doll or toy before using the toilet themselves. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to provide a diet rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with adequate water intake throughout the day to prevent constipation.
The initiative, developed by the early years charity Kindred Squared, has received support from the Departments for Education and Health & Social Care. Recent surveys indicate a decline in toilet training readiness, with only 25% of children being fully toilet-trained upon starting school, compared to 83% in previous decades.
According to polling data from primary school educators, a substantial amount of teaching time is lost daily due to the need to assist children lacking age-appropriate life skills. Kindred emphasizes that children without medical conditions should ideally be out of diapers between 18-30 months.
In a bid to enhance school readiness, Keir Starmer has set a goal for 75% of five-year-olds to be school-ready by 2028. Kindred has led efforts to provide guidance to parents on preparing their children for school, including practical steps like teaching basic skills and behaviors in daily routines.
Felicity Gillespie, Director of Kindred Squared, highlights the importance of toilet training in fostering children’s confidence and enabling teachers to focus on educational activities. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson applauds the new guidance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting parents with expert advice for their children’s development.