The city where primary school placements come with a toilet-training guide
As the academic year approaches, parents in England and Wales are being encouraged to ensure their children are fully prepared for school by September. The government’s goal is for 75% of students to show sufficient development by the end of their first year in reception, yet teachers report that many children arrive without fundamental skills, such as toileting independence or communication abilities. To support families, a new government initiative is providing guidance on essential skills to practice at home before the autumn term starts.
City of York Council is testing this approach by sending potty-training guides to 1,700 families along with their school placement letters. The council is also offering parent workshops, specialized teacher training, and informational materials in pharmacies, GP surgeries, and community centers. Jo Mould, a reception teacher with over 30 years of experience, calls the September readiness target “ambitious” but achievable. “This is a great chance for parents to get the help they need,” she says. “Health professionals can assist those who are struggling, and it’s a positive step for kids to feel prepared for learning.”
“I don’t think there’s a single parent who hasn’t asked themselves, ‘Is my child at the right stage, and what do I need to do to help them meet that?’” says Peter Roderick, director of public health for York Council. “It’s about making sure they know who to turn to and what tools, techniques, and tips you need if your child is a bit behind.”
Recent changes in children’s readiness have raised concerns. Mould notes a “huge change” in recent years, with more students arriving at school facing challenges in speech, emotional regulation, and toileting. “Toilet-training takes two staff members to change a child, which uses up human resources and pulls adults away from teaching,” she explains. A survey by Kindred Squared found that reception staff spend 1.4 hours daily on nappy changes, averaging over two hours of instructional time lost each day to basic skills.
Rachel and Rumayna, who both have daughters starting school in York this September, reflect on the mixed emotions surrounding the transition. “I’m quite excited for her,” Rachel shares. “I think she’s more than ready, and nursery has been brilliant at prepping her.” Rumayna expresses anxiety about her daughter Izzie’s placement but adds, “She’s definitely ready.” She highlights the importance of guidance that is “non-judgmental and supportive,” noting that peer comparisons can add extra pressure. “You look at your friends and think, ‘Surely their kids have to be potty-trained by now,’ which can feel overwhelming,” she says.
Primary school offer letters in England and Wales are issued on 16 April, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have different allocation schedules. Parents in Northern Ireland have already received their placements, and those in Scotland are notified on varying dates. The government’s new guidance aims to help schools, nurseries, and childminders collaborate to ensure children are equipped with the physical, emotional, and social skills needed for a smooth start to learning.
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