Ensuring each child’s dignity and privacy is protected whilst maintaining appropriate levels of supervision is our up most aim.

  • Child-friendly toilets or potties: Easily accessible toilets with steps, small seats, or low potties make children feel secure.
  • Visual cues and routines: Picture schedules, books, and songs about toileting help normalize and teach the process.
  • Designated toileting times: Regular opportunities, like after meals or before nap time, help create predictable habits.

Staff Approach and Emotional Support

  • Encouragement without pressure: Staff observe readiness signs (e.g., staying dry for longer, interest in the toilet) and never force a child to go.
  • Praise and positive language: Even small successes are celebrated—accidents are treated calmly without shame.
  • Responsive care: Key workers build trusting relationships, which helps children feel safe when trying new routines.
  • Practical Strategies
  • Spare clothes and easy outfits: Families often provide extra clothes, and staff encourage simple garments toddlers can manage themselves.
  • Accident clean-up plans: Quick, respectful clean-ups maintain dignity and comfort.

Partnership with Parents

  • Shared goals and updates: Nurseries work closely with families to align strategies—what works at home is echoed at nursery and vice versa.
  • Daily communication: Reports on attempts, successes, or challenges are shared, often through apps or in-person chats.
  • Cultural and individual considerations: Staff adapt to specific family practices or language used around toileting.

Toilet training is a journey, not a race. In a nurturing nursery environment, toddlers gain confidence and independence while being supported through the ups and downs—yes, even the puddles!

Toileting is a deeply personal milestone, and nurseries play a vital role in ensuring that children feel safe, respected, and supported during this process. Balancing privacy, dignity, and safeguarding is key—and it’s all guided by best practices and frameworks like the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Principles of Privacy and Support

  • Respect for dignity: Children must be treated with sensitivity. Staff should avoid drawing attention to accidents or toileting needs in front of others2.
  • Age-appropriate privacy: Toileting areas should allow for discretion—such as low partitions or doors that offer visibility for safeguarding but still protect modesty.
  • Choice and independence: Children are encouraged to use the toilet independently when ready, with staff nearby to assist if needed.

Hygiene and Safety Measures

  • Dedicated toileting areas: Clean, child-sized toilets or potties with accessible sinks promote independence and hygiene5.
  • Protective equipment: Staff wear gloves and aprons during nappy changes or when assisting with accidents.
  • Safe disposal: Soiled items are double-bagged and stored discreetly to avoid embarrassment.

Emotional and Developmental Support

  • Positive language: Staff use encouraging, non-judgmental language to normalize toileting and reduce anxiety.
  • Routine and reassurance: Predictable toileting times and calm responses to accidents help children feel secure.
  • Partnership with parents: Nurseries work closely with families to align approaches and respect cultural preferences.

Legal and Policy Frameworks

  • EYFS 2025 updates: Emphasise balancing privacy with safeguarding during intimate care routines.
  • Equality Act 2010: Children must not be excluded or discriminated against due to incontinence or delayed toilet training.
  • Safeguarding protocols: Staff must be DBS-checked, and procedures for intimate care are clearly documented.

Tailored Support for Individual Needs

  • SEND considerations: Children with disabilities may require adapted facilities or one-to-one support.
  • Reusable nappies: Nurseries accommodate family preferences and provide hygienic handling procedures.
  • Staff training: Ongoing training ensures staff are confident and consistent in supporting toileting needs.

Offering privacy isn’t just about physical space—it’s about emotional safety, trust, and respect.