All aboard the Toilet Train!

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Get ready for school

Join us this Summer and prepare your child to use the toilet at school.

Children starting at school is an exciting time, with lots of things to learn in their new environment. If they’re struggling with wee and poo issues or if they have a problem like constipation, it can be worrying, but help is at hand.

Take a moment to watch the video adjacent.

What is Toilet Train?

ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity aims to help get as many children trained and ready for school as possible by offering support via email, our website and our helpline. We want to help as many families as possible.

Parents and carers will be able to sign up via this page to receive a weekly email from ERIC packed with helpful advice and information. The journey lasts 6 weeks, after which you’ll be added to our mailing list and will continue to receive helpful advice from us going forward. Everyone receives the same information, but you’ll be signposted to our online helpline form if you need any personalised support.

We will also be sending out digital packs to early years settings and primary schools across the country which contain helpful PDF leaflets, advice sheets, and a video they can share with families to help get children toilet ready for school.

5 top toilet training tips for school

There’s so much to think about when you first start school, but toileting doesn’t need to be one of them. Just remember the 5Ps:

  • Prepare: think about what you might need to take with you, like spare pants, trousers and wipes just in case
  • Practice: use loos away from home and try different types of flushes and hand dryers
  • Pants: practice wearing your big kid pants and get used to pulling them up and down when you go to the loo
  • Plan: try and get into a good toilet routine before you go to school
  • Praise: give yourself a big clap whenever you try to use the loo by yourself. You deserve it!

Click the link below to read our advice sheet.

Toilets and School Readiness Advice Sheet

Boy in pain holding tummy

Advice for children with constipation including common causes, signs and treatment.

Toddler playing with a teddy bear sat on a potty

How and when to start potty training and the 3-step, evidence-based approach adopted by ERIC.

Boy flushing toilet

Potty training, toileting and children’s bowel and bladder conditions for children with additional needs.

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