From MadeForMums · · 1m 20s
Potty training scheme cuts nappy starts by 43%
York pilot reduced school nappy starters by 43% with 20 councils adopting the approach.
In brief
York pilot reduced school nappy starters by 43% with 20 councils adopting the approach. York's potty training pilot cut children starting school in nappies by 43% as 20 councils consider adopting the scheme. Originally reported by MadeForMums.
York pilot reduces nappy starters
A York pilot saw the number of reception children not fully toilet-trained fall by 43% with 20 councils now considering the approach.
Pilot supports families
The city-wide scheme gave parents practical potty training information alongside support through workshops, nurseries, schools, GP surgeries, pharmacies, libraries and family hubs.
Results show 6% nappy starters
The results showed 85 out of 1,374 reception pupils, around 6%, were not fully toilet-trained when they started school this year.
43% reduction from 2025
That compares with 148 out of 1,364 pupils, around 11%, in September 2025, representing a 43% reduction.
Teachers report lost time
Teachers reported losing significant teaching time helping children who are not able to go to the toilet themselves, equivalent to a day a week.
20 councils adopt York model
The York model is now being considered or adopted by 20 local authorities including North Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Solihull, Rotherham, Hampshire, Halton, London Borough of Redbridge, London Borough of Hounslow, and Cheshire West and Chester.
The key point
York's potty training pilot cut children starting school in nappies by 43% as 20 councils consider adopting the scheme.
