Council launches potty training guidance for babies to boost school readiness

The guidance targets families with infants from six months upwards, offering strategies to introduce toilet training during the early years period. This proactive approach aims to reverse the trend of children entering reception classes whilst still wearing nappies, which can affect their readiness for the school day and place additional pressures on teaching staff. By intervening early through family support channels, the council hopes to empower parents with techniques that align with developmental readiness rather than waiting until pre-school age. The initiative highlights the importance of partnership between health visitors, early years settings, and families in establishing routines that support children's independence before they transition to formal schooling. Early intervention in toilet training reflects growing attention to school readiness across local government, with many areas reporting challenges as children start reception classes whilst still relying on nappies. This approach emphasises supporting families with age-appropriate strategies before children reach compulsory school age, ensuring they can engage fully with the curriculum and social environment from day one.