Are we doing enough to support children with toilet training before they start school?

A new campaign by children’s charity ERIC is focused on helping families and educators prepare children for independent toilet use as they enter school. The initiative, which has seen a surge in parental interest, addresses the growing concern over delayed toilet training due to pandemic-related challenges and cuts in services. ERIC’s campaign provides resources, advice, and fun activities to reduce the stigma around toilet training and ensure children are ready for school.

A New School year

With the start of the new school year just around the corner, many parents are facing a significant challenge: ensuring their children are toilet trained and ready to tackle the school day without the need for nappies. ERIC, the children’s bowel and bladder charity, has stepped up with a timely campaign to support families through this often stressful transition.

Over the past few weeks, ERIC has reported a noticeable increase in the number of parents seeking advice, many of whom are anxious about their child’s readiness for school. The pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, with lockdowns and reduced access to support services making toilet training more difficult for families. These challenges have led to a rise in children starting school without being fully toilet trained, a situation that can impact both the child’s school experience and their overall wellbeing.

The campaign, cleverly named ‘Board the Toilet Train’, aims to remove the stigma surrounding late toilet training and offers practical resources to families. ERIC’s online challenge provides step-by-step guidance, helping parents and children alike to feel more confident and prepared. The charity is also distributing resources to pre-schools, nurseries, and libraries, ensuring that support is accessible to all.

The modern challenges of toilet training are numerous and complex.

Gone are the days when most children were reliably toilet trained by age three. Today, various socio-economic factors contribute to delays, with some children entering Reception still reliant on nappies. ERIC’s campaign comes at a crucial time, offering a lifeline to parents who are struggling to navigate this developmental milestone.

One of the main barriers to successful toilet training is the lack of local continence services, which has been compounded by cuts to essential services over recent years. These services are vital for identifying and addressing underlying issues, such as constipation, that can hinder a child’s ability to toilet train. Without this support, many families are left to struggle alone, often unaware that their child may have a treatable condition that is delaying progress.

The impact of delayed toilet training extends beyond the home. A survey by Kindred² earlier this year highlighted the strain it places on schools, with staff spending an average of two-and-a-half hours per day supporting children with toilet-related issues. This not only disrupts the child’s learning but also diverts valuable resources from other students. Despite this, there is still a significant portion of parents—21% according to the survey—who believe that children do not need to be toilet-trained before starting school.

Mindset

ERIC’s campaign seeks to change this mindset by emphasising the importance of early intervention and providing the tools needed for success. The charity’s approach is refreshingly non-judgmental, recognising that every child is different and that toilet training is not a one-size-fits-all process. By offering a range of resources, from online challenges to in-person advice from their ‘poo nurses’, ERIC is making sure that no family is left behind.

The campaign’s mascots, Wee and Poo, play a key role in engaging children and making the process fun. These friendly characters will be making appearances at various locations throughout the summer, helping to normalise the conversation around toilet training and encourage children to take pride in their progress. For parents, this light-hearted approach can alleviate some of the stress and pressure that often accompanies toilet training.

Juliette Rayner, CEO of ERIC, has been vocal about the need for greater support for families. She notes that the combination of pandemic-related challenges and service cuts has left many parents feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. ERIC’s campaign is a direct response to these challenges, offering a beacon of hope for families who are struggling.

One of the most significant aspects of the campaign is its focus on reducing stigma. For many parents, the embarrassment of having a child who is not yet toilet trained can be isolating. ERIC aims to create a supportive community where parents can share their experiences and receive the help they need without fear of judgment.

The campaign also addresses the broader issue of school readiness. Toilet training is just one aspect of a child’s preparation for school, but it is a crucial one. A child who is not toilet trained may struggle to participate fully in school activities, which can affect their confidence and social development. By ensuring that children are ready to use the toilet independently, ERIC is helping to set them up for success in all areas of school life.

Summer Campaign

ERIC’s summer campaign is a comprehensive and much-needed initiative that addresses a growing concern among parents and educators alike. By providing accessible resources, reducing stigma, and offering practical advice, ERIC is making a real difference in the lives of children and their families. As the start of the school year approaches, the charity’s message is clear: it’s never too late to board the Toilet Train and get your child ready for school.

ERIC’s campaign is a timely and vital initiative, offering support to families and educators as they prepare children for the transition to school. By addressing the challenges of toilet training head-on and providing a range of accessible resources, ERIC is helping to ensure that every child has the best possible start to their school journey. The campaign’s focus on reducing stigma and providing practical advice is particularly important, offering much-needed support to families who may be struggling.

“Every child’s journey to toilet independence is unique, and it’s our mission to ensure that families have the support they need every step of the way.” – Juliette Rayner, CEO of ERIC.

Are you ready to board the Toilet Train? Visit ERIC’s website today to access resources, join the challenge, and get your child ready for school.