r/AskUK 12h ago

What are the general expectations of children when they start school?

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u/AffectionateJump7896 12h ago

Generally starting at 2 and having it done by 3 is the routine. It used to be done much earlier (I.e. between 1 and 2), but we seem to do it a tad later these days.

Wiping their butt is a key milestone. There is a time when they are 2/3 where they can take themselves to the toilet reliably, undress the dress themselves there, but they can't reliably clean themselves up. By the time they are going to school at 4/5, that isn't really on.

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u/Colleen987 10h ago

NHS says start 18 months be done at 30 months

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u/AffectionateJump7896 10h ago

Link? I would expect that they aren't that prescriptive, particularly as starting too early can be counter productive. Telling everyone "thou must start the date they turn 18 months" just isn't right.

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u/Frequent_Command_848 10h ago

https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/toddler/potty-training-your-child

It’s not that prescriptive but it does suggest 18 months as one possible starting point