A pioneering initiative by Busy Bees aims to reduce nappy waste by promoting earlier toilet training across over 400 nurseries in the UK and Ireland.
- The initiative, launched last year, provides resources and support to parents and practitioners to facilitate earlier toilet training.
- As a result, Busy Bees reports a nearly 26% reduction in nappy usage, significantly benefiting the environment and reducing costs.
- Research indicates that the majority of parents received valuable support from nurseries, with many attributing earlier toilet training to the initiative.
- Challenges remain, as over half of parents express apprehension about toilet training, highlighting the need for continued nursery support.
An innovative scheme launched by Busy Bees, the UK’s leading early years childcare provider, is making strides in reducing nappy waste by encouraging earlier toilet training. Implemented across more than 400 branches in the UK and Ireland, the programme aims to equip parents and practitioners with the necessary skills and confidence to identify when a child is ready for toilet training and to support them through the process.
The training scheme employs a variety of engaging activities, such as fun games, vocabulary-focused play, and role-play, designed to make toilet training an exciting and successful experience for children. It also promotes enhanced communication with parents about readiness and techniques, achieving a reduction in nappy usage by approximately 26%.
Surveys conducted with nearly 500 parents involved in the Busy Bees programme reveal that 79% received valuable guidance from nurseries, and 45% reported their children transitioned from nappies earlier due to the support provided. Parents particularly appreciated the advice on recognising readiness and communicating with their children about toilet training.
Despite the successes, apprehensiveness persists among 54% of parents who have yet to begin toilet training, underscoring the importance of continued nursery involvement. The programme was spurred by observations from Busy Bees practitioners that the pandemic had delayed toilet training, a trend corroborated by external reports pointing to diminished independence and confidence among children post-lockdown.
According to Deena Billings, European Quality Director at Busy Bees, early and successful toilet training significantly influences a child’s confidence and independence, crucial for school readiness. She emphasised Busy Bees’ commitment to leading this initiative, offering extensive resources and expert guidance to parents and staff to foster effective and confident toilet training practices. Highlighting the programme’s success, Billings noted the dual benefits of reduced nappy usage and its positive impact on the environment and households.
Kelly Maskell, a Centre Director at Busy Bees, shared insights about the initiative’s role in fostering open discussions about toilet training between staff and parents, aiding children in developing communication skills. The provision of learning resources and practical advice further supports parents in spotting readiness and addressing any confusion arising from non-verbal cues exhibited by toddlers.
A parent, Suzanne Buchan, also praised the scheme, recounting her positive experience and the pivotal support from nursery staff in navigating her daughter’s transition out of nappies. The initiative’s comprehensive approach, which includes resources like information packs and reward sticker charts, plays a significant role in facilitating successful toilet training.
The Busy Bees initiative has demonstrated substantial success in promoting earlier toilet training, benefiting both the environment and families.
