Preschool years.

Toilet learning can involve home, childcare and more than one adult. A conversation about the arrangements can be helpful without setting a deadline for your child.

A practical place to begin

1. Read current guidance and ask your health visitor if you are unsure where to begin.
2. Talk with the adults caring for your child about a consistent, supportive approach and how to share updates.
3. Organise spare clothes and the practical things your setting asks for, leaving room to change the plan.

There is no “trained by” age target here. If your child is uncomfortable or you have concerns, speak to an appropriate health professional.

A printable that may help

• The out-the-door list · Ages 2–7

Official guidance & specialist support

• NHS: teaching everyday skills

A short checklist can make the getting-ready jobs visible without expecting a child to manage them alone. Use words, drawings or doing things together, depending on what is useful.

A practical place to begin

1. Choose just a few steps from the morning checklist and cross out anything that does not apply.
2. Add one reminder that often gets missed, such as the bag that needs to go by the door.
3. If the list adds pressure, make it shorter or keep it as an adult reminder instead.

The school-morning sheet is labelled for ages three to seven. For a younger child, use adult preparation rather than expecting them to follow the sheet.

A printable that may help

• A gentler school morning · Ages 3–7
• Our getting-ready-for-bed list · Ages 2–7

Official guidance & specialist support

• NHS: teaching everyday skills

Sometimes a child wants to tell you about a moment; sometimes they would rather draw, play or say nothing. A gentle invitation can leave space for different ways of communicating.

A practical place to begin

1. Offer a feelings check-in at a calm moment if the format suits your child.
2. Let them choose a prompt, draw something or skip the sheet altogether.
3. If they want help, think together about one practical next step rather than filling every box.

The feelings sheet is intended for ages three to seven and is not an assessment. Seek appropriate support for ongoing worries or needs.

A printable that may help

• A little feelings check-in · Ages 3–7
• Our little family catch-up · Ages 3–7

There is room for play that is not a project. Choose something that suits your home, your child’s interests and the energy you both have available.

A practical place to begin

1. Pick one age-appropriate idea from the rainy-day sheet and check the materials before you start.
2. Adapt it for your child’s access, sensory and communication needs; a different version is still worthwhile.
3. Stop or change the activity when it stops being enjoyable. There is no worksheet to finish afterwards.

Supervise appropriately and follow materials’ age and safety guidance. Learning does not need to be measured by how much you produce.

A printable that may help

• The rainy-day little list · Ages 2–7

Official guidance & specialist support

• NHS: baby and toddler play ideas
• NHS: early learning and development

Starting nursery or school involves both everyday arrangements and your child’s individual needs. Ask the setting directly what would help, rather than trying to prepare for an imagined perfect first day.

A practical place to begin

1. Confirm dates, sessions, collection arrangements and what the setting actually asks you to bring.
2. Share questions about access, communication, care or additional support through the setting’s agreed process.
3. Try a simple getting-ready plan and leave room for the arrangements to settle or change.

School starting ages, admissions and funded childcare differ across the UK. This collection overlaps the school-years collection so you can browse by need.

A printable that may help

• A gentler school morning · Ages 3–7
• The out-the-door list · Ages 2–7

Official guidance & specialist support

• GOV.UK: school starting age and links to other UK rules
• GOV.UK: finding childcare and help with costs
• Scotland: help paying for childcare
• Wales: help paying for childcare
• Northern Ireland: help paying for approved childcare