TranslatePotty Training Delays Are Impacting Children’s Primary School Readiness – But Support Is Available
Published: 16 April 2026
Potty training has become one of the most common reasons parents seek support for their children. Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s 0-19 Single Point of Contact (SPOC) receives calls from parents and carers to provide referrals for various needs. These can include diet and nutrition or behavioural support for children and support for parents. However, the most common reason for referral through the service is now for continence and toileting support.
Recent figures show that 44% of the calls taken by the Trust’s 0-19 SPOC service for parents were for support with their child’s continence. This highlights the struggles currently being experienced by families in the local area in meeting this universal need.
Potty or toilet training is a key milestone in a child’s life that has seen a drift over the past few decades. The age that children are starting potty training has been getting later, and that age is creeping towards primary school age. The message being shared by Health Visitors is to actually start introducing potty training as early as possible. The optimum age window for starting potty training is between 18 and 30 months, and this is also true for some children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The two to two‑and‑a‑half‑year review is a valuable opportunity within the series of universal contacts provided by the Health Visiting Service. This review completes the programme of assessments that support families in understanding and promoting their child’s health and development. If further support or information is required, the Health Visiting Service can provide this through extra assessment and intervention - offering additional support and/or making referrals to specialist services where appropriate.
Lindsey Eddom, Health and Development Practitioner said, “We regularly speak to parents who have either started toilet training and are finding it difficult to make progress or those who want to know how to start with their child. The key thing is to introduce your child to the potty or toilet as early as possible and talk to them about what it is for.”
“Parents are urged not to delay starting with potty training, even if their child has special educatory needs. In fact, it’s even more important to start earlier for children with special educational needs as the process can take longer. Therefore, starting earlier is recommended”.
“We want to help parents to understand they don’t need to wait for signs of readiness. 18 months is an ideal age to start for any child. There are lots of things parents can do to start introducing potty learning and practicing the skills needed with their children. Placing a potty and nappy changing in the bathroom is optimal, rather than in other rooms of the house so that the location is consistent. We recommend regular nappy free time accompanied with regular potty sitting. We also advise parents that boys do not need to be taught how to use a potty standing up, we actually recommend having them sit on the potty as this is better for bladder health.”
The average age of children being fully trained has risen in recent years, this upturn is being linked to the increased use of disposable nappies which keep children drier and less uncomfortable wearing them. However, disposable nappies impose a considerable cost to families and potty training removes this outlay entirely.
Children who are not able to independently use the toilet facilities and remain in nappies are at a severe disadvantage when starting school. It can impact their education and social and emotional development.
Figures nationally show that 1 in 4 children are not toilet trained by the time they reach primary school age. This startling figure is being addressed locally by Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s 0-19 team. They are encouraging parents to start earlier and seek help no matter what the age of their child. Every parent will be supported with no judgement and practical, bespoke advice for tackling toilet training or any other concerns parents may have about their children.
There are multiple ways parents can receive support and advice:
- Ask your Health Visitor
- Call Parentline on 07312 263206
