11/07/2026
The utility room has also seen a spruce up. Paintwork freshened up, floors scrubbed, surfaces tidied. Also, the playroom carpet has been carpet cleaned for the third time in 5 days.
Just in case you have missed the emails regarding amended policies over the last few months please take the time to read through our potty training policy.
Squib and Squidge Childminding
Potty Training Policy
Potty training – transitioning from nappies to the use of a potty or toilet will be a natural transition for your child. We will do our very best to support you with this, we have created this guidance as during our many decades of looking after children we feel that this advice and policy works best for the majority of little ones.
When should I start potty training my child?
Children are different and the age at which they are capable of potty training successfully is unique to them. However, most potty training skills can be learned before you stop using nappies, which can and should be one of the last steps in the process.
Most children will be physically and emotionally ready to explore potty training 18-30 months. Most children will be able to take the lead in many parts of the potty training process from around 18 months old.
There are generally 3 steps:
• to start preparation to use the potty,
• moving on to practising using a potty,
• before eventually stopping using nappies as they gain confidence.
How do I start potty training my child?
Spending time preparing your child in advance of taking their nappy away is the best way to help them move on to the next step.
Try to change nappies or pull-ups as soon as they are wet or soiled. By doing this your child will learn that it is normal to be clean and dry
• Introduce the concept of potty / toilet training e.g. books, potties in bathroom and so on.
• Begin the process by introducing pull ups to your child which are specifically made for toileting, support/teach your child to try to pull up and down their pull up in the bathroom ready for being independent in their toileting.
• Leave your child’s nappy or pull-up off for up to 30 minutes after your child has had a wee or poo. This will help them get used to not wearing it without having an accident
• Having regular, short periods without wearing a nappy or pull-up can help prepare your child for how it will feel when they stop using them completely
• Try to give your child the opportunity to do things for themselves as much as possible e.g. positioning the potty in your bathroom/utility, getting a clean nappy out, pulling their own nappy down
• Have some toys or books next to the potty to help them sit and hold their interest
• Encourage and praise their efforts, not just end results, e.g. stickers and charts work well, even for attempting to sit on the potty or pull up nappy
• Watch for your child’s cues, can they speak yet – your child will need to be able to communicate their needs to you, other relatives and their childminder. Can they use Makaton - do they recognise the image and sign for toilet?
• Support your child to sit regularly on the potty / toilet – possibly every 30 mins, make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. E.G. stickers / praise
• If your child is ready and emotionally and physically capable at this point you should start seeing progress after a few days of total consistency.
• We suggest that you keep your child in pull ups and allow them to use the potty in different environments e.g childcare, relatives, shop toilets, cafes and so on
• At this point you should communicate with your childminder to ensure that they are doing the same to make sure this is being continued at home and in the setting. Keep us informed of what you are doing every step of the way. If different carers are doing different things the messages are messy and inconsistent and difficult for your child to understand.
• At this point if your child is not doing wees in their pull up and only doing them on the potty, this is the time to transition into underpants. Please ensure that you child has been using underpants/knickers at home before you start them in childcare.
• We are happy to support you with all of your child’s toileting needs, however, please be respectful and mindful that the childminders is a family home. There is a carpeted playroom, couches and soft furnishings. If a child has an accident on the carpet, couch cushions, that area is out of bounds for the rest of the day due to cleaning and hygiene, it which is a difficult situation to manage for the rest of the children and staff.
• If potty training is confidently being undertaken by your child the next step is to transition to using the toilet. We have a step and smaller toilet seat making it a more practical and smooth experience.
• We continue to encourage children to communicate their toileting needs, we will encourage children to confidently pull up and down their underwear. We will encourage children to wipe themselves clean and flush the toilet. We will always help to make sure your child is clean but independence is so important. We will ensure your child washes and dries their hands after toileting and nappy changing.
Reviewed July 2026
