22mo–3y10 minToiletingSelf-careFamily time
Pick-Your-Potty Setup
Supports your child to choose between safe toileting options (potty, trainer seat, steps) and practise using the chosen setup with confidence and support.
What you'll need
Essentials
- potty and/or trainer seat (use what you have)
- step stool/steps (if used for the toilet)
- hand soap and towel
Nice to have
- non-slip mat or towel (for under a stool)
- two simple stickers/pictures to label the choices
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
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneBegins self-care independenceBody· 22mo–3y· core
- MilestoneClearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Body· 22mo–3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneHelps manage clothingBody· 21mo–3y· stretch
- MilestoneShows awareness of what a potty or toilet is used for.Body· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneShows confidence in asking adults for help.Heart· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestonePuts on clothes with limited helpBody· 2.5y–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneParticipates in hygiene routinesBody· 15mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneShows some awareness of bladder and bowel urges.Body· 16mo–2.2y· core· Step 3
What it practices
- Clearly communicates their need for potty or toilet.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to recognise danger and seeks support of significant adults for help.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
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Offer choices for children in terms of potties, trainer seats or steps.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)