A guide to potty training

The new government-backed Potty Training Guide moves away from the old 'readiness' model and promotes early, gradual learning and preparation from infancy. This article and podcast episode explore what the guidance means for families and settings, why coming out of nappies should be the final step in learning, and how practitioners and parents/carers can support confident, healthy toilet learning. Read the article here: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/a-guide-to-potty-training/ This episode is in partnership with BookedIn BookedIn is a CPD booking platform that connects organisations with verified speakers, trainers and consultants – so you can find the right fit faster, based on your brief, audience and outcomes. You can discover, compare, and manage bookings in one place – designed to help you book with more clarity and confidence. Whether you're booking CPD or are a speaker yourself, they're opening early access soon, and if you want to be first to hear when it's live, join the waiting list NOW! To find out more and sign up to the wait list visit: https://waitlist.bookedin.online/ Our 2026 conference info & tickets: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/ Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: ● Tummy time is an outdated notion, by Christine Wilkinson & Rachel Tapping: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/tummy-time-is-an-outdated-notion/ ● Starting school: Supporting transitions to reception and key stage 1, by Delyth Linacre: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/starting-school-supporting-transitions-to-reception-and-key-stage-1/ Get in touch and share your voice: Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/ Episode break down: 00:00 – Welcome & guest introduction: Rebecca Mottram 03:10 – Why potty learning is in the spotlight & new England guidance overview 07:10 – Reframing potty learning as a developmental journey (moving away from "ready") 11:45 – "Nappies off" as the final step: capability, gradual skill-building, avoiding sudden transitions 17:05 – Practical foundations before nappies come off: sensory feedback & bathroom routines 20:50 – Rebecca's new book Positively Potty 22:10 – Nappies: cloth vs disposable & using nappies "mindfully" 25:55 – When should children be out of nappies? 29:20 – Starting school: curiosity over judgement 34:30 – Working in partnership with parents: earlier, joined-up support 36:40 – Regression and plateaus: learning isn't linear 39:10 – Motivating without treats: rewarding effort and engagement 41:20 – Play as the engine of potty learning: props, stories, role play 43:25 – Accidents & language: staying neutral; inclusive toileting practice For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com