A guide to potty training

The new government-backed Potty Training Guide moves away from the old 'readiness' model and promotes early, gradual learning and preparation from infancy. This article and podcast episode explore what the guidance means for families and settings, why coming out of nappies should be the final step in learning, and how practitioners and parents/carers can support confident, healthy toilet learning.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/

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Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

● Tummy time is an outdated notion, by Christine Wilkinson & Rachel Tapping: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/tummy-time-is-an-outdated-notion/

● Starting school: Supporting transitions to reception and key stage 1, by Delyth Linacre: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/

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Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome & guest introduction: Rebecca Mottram

03:10 – Why potty learning is in the spotlight & new England guidance overview
07:10 – Reframing potty learning as a developmental journey (moving away from "ready")
11:45 – "Nappies off" as the final step: capability, gradual skill-building, avoiding sudden transitions

17:05 – Practical foundations before nappies come off: sensory feedback & bathroom routines
20:50 – Rebecca's new book Positively Potty
22:10 – Nappies: cloth vs disposable & using nappies "mindfully"

25:55 – When should children be out of nappies?

29:20 – Starting school: curiosity over judgement
34:30 – Working in partnership with parents: earlier, joined-up support
36:40 – Regression and plateaus: learning isn't linear

39:10 – Motivating without treats: rewarding effort and engagement
41:20 – Play as the engine of potty learning: props, stories, role play
43:25 – Accidents & language: staying neutral; inclusive toileting practice

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com