Solihull to pilot potty training scheme amid rising numbers of non-toilet-trained children

Solihull Council is to roll out a potty-training scheme in partnership with the charity Kindred Squared. The initiative aims to address a rise in the number of children starting school without being fully toilet-trained, a trend observed across the West Midlands.

According to a survey conducted by Kindred Squared, nearly one-third of children beginning school in the West Midlands last year were not fully toilet-trained. The same survey indicated that 42% of children entering reception were considered not school-ready by primary school staff. Solihull Council has reported an increase in children arriving at school in nappies or pull-ups compared to previous years.

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Support for parents and professionals

The Kindred Squared scheme will provide resources and support, including enhanced training for nurseries, schools, and other professionals. This initiative is part of Solihull Council's broader Best Start in Life programme.

A pilot programme in York, which commenced in April, offered parents potty-training and school readiness guides alongside their school place offers. This was complemented by workshops and distributed resources, with support available through GPs, pharmacies, libraries, and community hubs. As a result of the York pilot, the number of children starting reception who were not toilet-trained decreased by nearly half.

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Broader aspects of school readiness

Ruth Lu-Quee, an early years specialist and founder of My Mummy Teacher, highlighted that school readiness encompasses more than just toilet training. She emphasised the importance of foundational skills such as communication, engagement with stories, and physical activity, which underpin a child's ability to learn and practice everyday independence, like hanging up their coat or removing socks.

However, Lu-Quee cautioned against viewing school readiness as a rigid checklist that could cause anxiety for families or make parents feel they have failed if their child develops at a different pace. She stated, 'Childhood isn't a race.'

Factors contributing to difficulties in toilet training can include withholding stools, which may stem from fear of the toilet, past negative experiences, or trauma, according to parents and health visitors. Helen Davies, a health visitor and children's nurse, noted that repeated accidents should prompt investigation into underlying causes rather than assuming parental neglect.

The pressures of modern life, including parents working full-time and reduced community support networks, can make dedicating the necessary time to toilet training challenging. Annamaria Bailey, a mother of two, noted that taking sufficient time off work for toilet training was difficult, suggesting that free toilet-training resources could be beneficial for families when children turn two.

Financial pressures and parental stress can also impact a child's readiness for school. Experts suggest that timely and consistent support is essential, particularly for families who cannot afford private assistance. Schools also face challenges in supporting children with these needs alongside their teaching responsibilities, with calls for increased funding to help schools manage the rising demands.