// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Why are so many four-year-olds not potty-trained before school?
Ruth Lu-Quee is a mother and early years specialist who says parents should not be blamed for delays in their children's development
For some parents the countdown to starting school means buying uniforms, labelling water bottles and trying to squeeze in one last summer holiday.
For others there is a more basic question to tackle: can their child use the toilet on their own?
According to a survey by the charity Kindred Squared, almost a third of children starting school in the West Midlands last year were not fully toilet-trained and 42% of those arriving in reception were deemed not school-ready by primary school staff.
This week the charity announced its potty-training scheme, which provides resources and support including increased training for nurseries, schools and professionals, will be rolled out in Solihull.
In a pilot in York, which began in April, parents were sent potty-training and school readiness guides with their offers of a school place. Workshops were held, resources distributed and support offered through GPs, pharmacies, libraries and community hubs.
As a result, the number of non-toilet-trained children starting reception fell by almost half.
An early years specialist based in Wolverhampton has said the conversation about school readiness needs to extend well beyond the toilet.
Ruth Lu-Quee, a former deputy head teacher and founder of My Mummy Teacher, works with parents and schools to support children's development through play-based learning.
She said: "We want to be setting the foundations. Can they talk and have conversations? Are you reading stories to them? Are they moving their bodies? Because all of those things are what then underpin the skills to be able to learn, practising everyday independence. Can they hang their coat or can they take their socks off?"