Last week, I was speaking with one of my American client families, who are right in the middle of potty training before starting school in Spain. Their daughter will turn three in September — the same month she starts school here in Madrid. And like most parents arriving here, they’ve discovered that potty training can’t wait until after summer. It’s not just a developmental milestone; in Spain, it’s a September deadline most schools won’t bend.
It took me straight back to when my own three were starting school in Madrid. All November and December babies, all had to be completely out of nappies before September — not “almost trained” and not “we’ll wear pull-ups just in case”. Done. And believe me, I know how much pressure that can put on a household.
Why Schools in Spain Expect Potty Training by Three
In Spain, compulsory education doesn’t start until six, but almost all children begin segundo ciclo de infantil (the first formal stage of school) in the year they turn three. When starting in September, schools expect them to be dry during the day.
The reason is simple: teachers can’t leave 20 three-year-olds alone to change a nappy (hallelujah, it used to be 25). Some infant classes (infantil) have an assistant, but not all — and you can’t rely on it. It’s also about hygiene, class management, and encouraging independence. Using the toilet without help is considered just as important as feeding yourself or putting on your shoes. It keeps the day running smoothly and avoids lessons being interrupted because someone needs changing.
What “Potty Trained” Really Means in Spanish Schools
- Recognise the need to go and tell an adult.
- Pull clothes up and down without help.
- Wipe (as best they can — perfection is not expected).
- Wash and dry hands afterwards (soap can be hit and miss, I’m afraid).
It’s about the full routine, not just sitting on the toilet. For some children, especially if they’ve had more help at home, that’s a big step.
The Summer Before School – Your Training Window
If your child is starting school in Spain in September, the summer before is your golden opportunity to train. Here’s what works:
- Practise in different environments — school toilets won’t look like your bathroom. Try at parks, cafés, friends’ houses.
- Choose easy, cool clothing — lightweight shorts or loose skirts/dresses that your child can pull up and down without help. In this heat, many children wear very little at home, but practise with some clothing so they’re used to managing it before school starts. Avoid anything fiddly like buttons, straps, or complicated fastenings.
- Teach the full sequence — toilet, wipe, flush, wash hands.
- Talk about school toilets — show pictures or visit the school if possible, so they’re less intimidating.
- Involve them — let them choose underwear, soap, or a special towel to make it fun.
If They’re Not Fully Ready in September
Accidents happen — and they’re expected. I still remember my own children coming home with more than one bag of soiled clothing in those first weeks.
If your child is starting school for the first time, in a new country and a new language, it’s assumed they’ll have a few mishaps while adjusting. The key is to be prepared:
- Stock up on multiple sets ropa de cambio (spare clothes) — underwear, lightweight shorts or skirt, socks, and a top.
- Keep at least one labelled set in their backpack every day.
- Include a small bag for soiled clothes, so teachers can send them home discreetly.
What’s harder is if your child is still in nappies when school starts. In many cases, the school will ask you to keep them at home until they’re trained or be available to come in for changes. For working parents or newly arrived families, this can be a real headache.
Potty Training in Spain vs Other Countries
In the UK, US, and elsewhere, it’s more common for preschool children to still be in nappies, with staff on hand to manage changes. Here in Spain, the cultural expectation is different — nappies are for sleeping only once a child is three.
For families moving here, this can be one of the biggest surprises. It can feel like an unmoveable deadline, but there’s a silver lining: children are surrounded by peers training for the same September start, which often speeds up progress.
Early Potty Training – Good or Bad?
From my perspective — and after guiding hundreds of families through this transition — early potty training works well if you keep it gentle and positive. It builds confidence, independence, and helps children settle more easily into the school routine.
That said, every child is different. Once you start, stick with it. Switching between nappies and underwear just delays progress.
If you’re planning a move to Spain and trying to make sense of schools in Madrid, there are a few ways to get started — depending on where you are in the process.
Some families begin with a clear overview of how the system works. Others prefer personalised guidance, or hands-on school search support.
You can see the different options here and choose what suits your situation.
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Choosing a school in Madrid doesn’t need to be overwhelming. I’m Sinéad Galvin, and through Steps into Spain, I support families to make confident, informed choices across public, private, and concertado education.
