22mo–3y10 minToiletingSelf-careFamily time
Calm Potty Check-Ins
A gentle routine practice using flexible check-ins and encouragement to support your child to communicate toileting needs and try independence steps without pressure.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your usual potty or toilet setup (potty and/or trainer seat)
- spare underwear/pants
- toilet paper or wipes (as used in your routine)
- hand soap and towel
Nice to have
- step stool (if used)
- simple potty picture/sign (hand-drawn is fine)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneClearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Body· 22mo–3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneShows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Body· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· core
- MilestonePuts on clothes with limited helpBody· 2.5y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCan tell adults when hungry or tired or when they want to rest or play.Body· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
What it practices
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Helps with clothing, e.g. puts on hat, unzips zipper on jacket, takes off unbuttoned shirt.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Support parents’ routines with young children’s toileting by having flexible routines and by encouraging children’s efforts at independence.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)