Supporting Families Through Potty Training

Supporting Families Through Potty Training with The Early Years Academy

Supporting Potty Training

Potty training is a significant milestone for children and their families, marking a step towards greater independence. While this transition can be exciting, it also comes with its challenges. At The Early Years Academy, we understand the importance of offering the right guidance, tools, and reassurance to help families navigate this stage with confidence and success.

In this blog, we’ll share how The Early Years Academy supports potty training, drawing on information from our “EYA Potty Pack”, as well as useful advice from trusted sources like the NHS and government guidelines.

Recognising When Your Child is Ready

One of the first steps in potty training is knowing when your child is ready. According to the NHS, most children show signs of readiness between 18 months and 3 years. Key indicators include:

Staying dry for longer periods.
Showing an interest in using a potty or toilet.
Becoming more aware of when they need to go.

At The Early Years Academy, we help families spot these signs by providing guidance through our resources and personalised conversations with our educators.

The EYA Potty Pack: A Toolkit for Success

To make potty training more manageable, we’ve created the EYA Potty Pack, a helpful resource designed to support families during this exciting stage. Inside the pack, you’ll find:

An informational leaflet that answers common questions and eases concerns.
A pull-up nappy pant as a small step in the transition.
A pair of underpants, encouraging children to take pride in their progress.
A sticker reward chart to motivate and celebrate achievements.
A sticker sheet to make the process fun and engaging for little ones.

These resources are just the beginning of the support we offer. Our goal is to help parents feel equipped and reassured, while also fostering confidence in children.

Choosing the Right Equipment

The government’s “Birth to 5 Matters” framework highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment during potty training. This includes choosing equipment that makes children feel comfortable and excited about the process.

At The Early Years Academy, we encourage families to:

Select a potty or toilet seat that suits their child.
Incorporate familiar or fun elements, such as underpants featuring favourite characters.
Gradually introduce the potty into the child’s daily routine.

Our nurseries are also equipped with child-friendly facilities, ensuring a smooth transition from home to nursery.

Gradual Transitions and Consistency

The NHS advises starting with gradual steps, such as transitioning from nappies to pull-ups, and introducing the potty as part of the child’s environment. Consistency is key—whether at home or nursery, children thrive when their routines are predictable.

At The Early Years Academy, we work closely with parents to maintain consistency between home and nursery settings. Our educators adapt to each child’s unique needs, following their preferences and progress.

Positive Reinforcement: Building Confidence

Praise and rewards play a crucial role in potty training. According to the NHS, simple encouragement—like clapping, high-fives, or verbal affirmations—can motivate children to keep going, even after accidents.

At The Early Years Academy, we incorporate positive reinforcement into everyday routines. Our sticker reward charts, included in the EYA Potty Pack, are a fun way to track progress and celebrate achievements.

Staying Calm and Positive

Accidents are a normal part of potty training. The NHS recommends responding calmly and reassuringly, using phrases like, “That’s okay, we’ll try again next time.” This approach helps children feel supported rather than discouraged.

Our team at The Early Years Academy is always on hand to provide a calm and nurturing environment for children during this stage. We work together with families, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to handle any challenges that arise.

We’re in This Together

At The Early Years Academy, we believe that potty training is a team effort. Our educators are committed to working alongside families, providing personalised support and adapting to each child’s individual journey.

For more guidance, we encourage parents to speak to our specialist team. Together, we can help make this transition a positive experience for your child.

By fostering confidence, patience, and consistency, we aim to ensure that potty training is not only successful but also an opportunity for your child to grow and thrive.

Helpful Resources for Families:
For additional advice on potty training, visit:

Let’s work together to make potty training a milestone filled with pride and progress!

Ready To Experience The EYA Way For Yourself?

Book a visit to one of our nurseries today and see how we create a home-away-from-home for your child.