Little Oaks Day Nursery offers a warm, nurturing environment where children learn, play, and grow with confidence through high-quality early years education.
Toilet training is an exciting milestone for young children; it’s one of the first big steps towards independence! At Little Oaks Day Nursery, we know how important it is for children to feel confident and supported as they learn this new skill.
Our caring teams work closely with parents to make the process positive, consistent, and stress-free - whether your little one is just starting out or already on their way to becoming fully toilet trained.
Every child develops at their own pace, but most are ready to start toilet training around 18 months old. The Department for Education suggests that it’s never too early to introduce the idea, even from around 6 months, children can begin to get used to sitting on a potty and learning what it’s for.
Ideally, children should be out of nappies by the time they start Reception, and waiting until after 30 months can sometimes make it a little trickier to learn.
At Little Oaks, we help families find the right moment to begin. We look for signs of readiness, like showing awareness of wet nappies, staying dry for longer periods, or being curious about the toilet. Once your child is ready, we’ll guide them gently and patiently every step of the way.
Toilet training isn’t just about using the potty; it’s about helping children build independence and confidence.
As part of this process, children learn how to:
At Little Oaks, we support these self-care skills through everyday routines and encouragement. Practitioners are always nearby to guide children, model good habits, and celebrate every success - no matter how small.
Toilet training works best when everyone is on the same page. That’s why we value strong partnerships between parents and practitioners.
We keep things consistent by sharing what’s working at nursery and listening to what’s working at home. This helps children feel reassured and confident, knowing the same routines and messages apply in both places.
If a child is struggling, we always encourage parents to talk to their GP or health visitor for extra advice. Together, we can create a calm, supportive plan that works for your family.
It’s completely normal for children to have accidents or setbacks, especially when they’re adjusting to a new environment like a nursery. Some little ones may become nervous or even regress a bit at first.
Our practitioners are trained to handle these moments with care, patience, and positivity. We avoid pressure and instead focus on encouragement, reassurance, and gentle reminders.
If challenges arise, we draw on trusted early years guidance and practical techniques to support your child’s individual needs. After all, every child’s journey is unique - and that’s perfectly okay.
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may take a little longer to develop toileting skills - but with the right support, nearly all children can achieve this important milestone.
Our team of educators work closely with parents, carers, and any involved specialists to create a personalised toilet training plan. We celebrate progress at every stage and always adapt our approach to ensure each child feels safe, comfortable, and understood.
We believe that dignity and confidence are at the heart of every child’s learning experience.
To make toilet training easier (and more fun!) at home, try these simple tips:
Remember, every child learns at their own pace. A few accidents are completely normal and part of the process!
Learning to use the toilet independently helps children develop more than just hygiene skills; it boosts their self-esteem, confidence, and school readiness.
It also teaches patience, self-control, and body awareness - key building blocks for later learning and independence.
We see toilet training as an important life skill that sets children up for success well beyond the early years.
We’re passionate about helping children grow into confident, independent learners, and that includes toilet training!
If you’d like to know more about how we support children through this stage, or to discuss enrolling your child at one of our three nurturing nurseries, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us today to learn more, book a visit, or speak to our friendly team about your child’s development journey.
For all things Little Oaks, explore our “Resources” section for helpful guides, parent information, and useful downloads.
At Little Oaks Day Nursery, we take the weaning process seriously and support your family’s journey toward healthy eating. Our expert staff help create a safe, nurturing environment for babies to explore food in a way that’s comfortable and enjoyable.
When is the right time to start potty training? What signs should you look for? And how can you make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your little one?
We’re always happy to help - whether you’re looking to book a visit, ask a question or simply learn more about what we do. Reach out to our friendly team and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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