Following news that the York potty-training pilot is expanding to 20 local authorities after cutting the number of children starting Reception without being fully toilet-trained by 43%, potty training is firmly in the spotlight.
Kirsty Cooke, owner of family-run Roby Bambinos Nursery, shares her expert insight and five practical tips from the nursery setting that parents can easily use at home, helping to make potty training a calmer, more positive experience for everyone.
If you’re currently eyeing up the potty sitting in your living room with a mix of hope and mild anxiety, you are definitely not alone.
As a nursery owner, I speak to parents every single week who feel overwhelmed by potty training. Whether you’re trying to get your child school-ready or simply wanting to move away from nappies, the pressure can feel huge. Between conflicting advice online and the fear of endless accidents, it’s easy to feel like you’re taking on a massive challenge.
The good news? In early-years settings, we navigate this milestone with dozens of toddlers every year, and it doesn’t have to be a battleground. Here are five battle-tested potty training secrets we use in nursery that you can easily replicate at home:
If you ask a toddler if they need the toilet, 99% of the time the answer will be an emphatic "No!", usually right before an accident happens.
In nursery, we rarely ask. Instead, we build potty trips into natural transition points throughout the day. Try making it part of your routine rather than a decision: "It's time to sit on the potty before we go to the park" or "Let's try the potty after breakfast." Framing it as part of the normal rhythm of the day removes the power struggle.
Peer modelling is our superpower in early years. Toddlers love doing what they see other children doing! If your child has an older sibling, cousin, or friend who uses the toilet, let them observe the process.
At home, don't make the bathroom a secret or taboo space. Let your toddler see you using the toilet, talk through what you're doing in a relaxed way, and keep a potty accessible in your main living area so it feels like just another normal piece of furniture.
When a toddler realises they need to go, every second counts. Fiddly buttons, dungarees, tight jeans and belts are the ultimate enemy of early potty training success.
Opt for easy, elasticated joggers, leggings, or shorts that your child can pull down by themselves. Building that physical independence gives them a huge boost of confidence.
Accidents are a completely normal part of learning a new skill. In nursery, when a mess happens, we keep our tone entirely neutral, calm and drama-free.
If your toddler misses the potty, simply say: "That's okay, accidents happen! Let's get some dry clothes on and try sitting on the potty next time." Involve them in the clean-up in a non-punitive way, such as letting them put their wet socks in the washing basket. This teaches responsibility without causing shame or anxiety.
It’s easy to focus solely on whether they actually produce a wee, but building the habit comes first.
We celebrate the effort. Even if your toddler sits on the potty for 30 seconds, reads a book and nothing happens, give them a high five and praise them for sitting down. Keeping the bathroom a happy, low-pressure space ensures they’ll be happy to come back and try again next time.
Remember, toilet independence isn't a race, and every child moves at their own pace. Be kind to yourself, stock up on comfortable joggers and celebrate every small win along the way!