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Toilet independence expectations for DS3

2 replies

Dontjumptoconclusions · 28/07/2026 11:42

This is my first time sending my 3yr old DS to this specific holiday club next week. It's for ages 3-4-year-olds, then they have another group for ages 5-8.

They say on their website that they expect everyone to be toilet trained, no problem. But my son still needs help in the bathroom with wiping, pulling up pants, generally not messing about with the toilet paper etc. So he wouldn't be trusted just to 'go to toilet'.

I emailed them about any additional help they provide, and all they said was that they tend to "avoid physical contact in the bathroom".

I understand it's safeguarding and they are covering themselves, but just wondering what is realistically expected from a 3 yr old? Do all children at this age go by themselves, do they need help wiping, do they pull pants on and off by themselves? Is it just my son who isn't independent and therefore isn't ready for this holiday club?

Does anyone have any experience regarding what more is expected rather than just being toilet trained?

OP posts:
Cappuccino5 · 28/07/2026 13:25

DD still needed help wiping for a number two and I definitely remember the pre-prep teachers often helping kids to get trousers up/down etc at that age! I think that 3 is just too young for this sort of camp to be honest.
Realistically, it’s always teens and uni students doing the vast majority of the work at this type of setting. They’re not paid enough or protected in terms of training, insurance to do personal care.

PeanutCat1 · 28/07/2026 13:25

My ds turned 3 recently and can use the toilet but also needs help wiping, pulling pants up, reminding to wash hands etc, I’d be really surprised if most 3 year olds could do all those things without any assistance, especially the younger ones. He’s starting preschool in September so I’m hoping to get him as competent as possible by then but even so I assume he’s still going to need a bit of help, surely most children still do at that age?
when I spoke to preschool they said they’d be more than happy to help and also have potties etc for children that aren’t comfortable using the toilet yet. I understand a holiday club might be different but surely if you’re catering to that age group some personal care is bound to be required at some point?

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