Parents told to toilet-train their children before starting school by using rap music

Alice Tomlinson
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:12:52 +0000

Parents have been told to toilet-train their children before starting school by using rap music.

The Department for Education has partnered with rapper MC Grammar to produce a new song aimed at helping parents prepare their children for starting school.

The track, titled "Steps For School" addresses growing concerns about youngsters arriving at reception without essential skills.

Teachers have raised alarms that more than a third of children are beginning their school journey unprepared for the classroom environment.

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The initiative forms part of the government's Best Start in Life campaign, which seeks to ensure young children reach key developmental milestones before entering formal education.

MC Grammar, whose real name is Jacob Mitchell, is a former teacher who has previously created educational music content for children.

The collaboration represents an unconventional approach to delivering parenting guidance through an accessible and engaging format.

The rap covers fundamental abilities that children should master before their first day in the classroom, including using the toilet independently, washing hands properly, and dressing themselves.

Sharing toys with others and developing proper listening skills are also addressed in the track, which aims to make learning these competencies enjoyable for families.

The song was created using guidance approved by both the government and the NHS, ensuring the advice meets official standards.

Being "school ready" means children have achieved specific developmental benchmarks, encompassing independent eating and drinking, basic self-care, and foundational language abilities.

The Department for Education hopes the musical approach will provide parents with a memorable and practical tool to help their children build these essential capabilities ahead of September.

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Mr Mitchell said: "As a former teacher and a dad with children already at school and one starting next year I know how much practising simple skills early can boost confidence when it's time to start Reception.

"With our new Steps For School song, we're giving families a fun, memorable way to build those everyday skills that will help set children up for a smooth start in September."

Early education minister Olivia Bailey described the rap as a practical method for getting youngsters prepared for the classroom.

She said: "Starting school is a huge milestone for children and parents.

"I remember getting my own children ready for their first day, excited and hoping they'd walk through the door feeling confident.

"From the moment families receive their school place, they should feel supported with simple, practical ways to help their child build confidence, independence and the skills they need for the classroom."

Survey data from early years charity Kindred Squared revealed that 37 per cent of children entering reception are not adequately prepared for school.

The same research, conducted in January, found that approximately one in four pupils starting reception in 2025 lacked toilet training, with a comparable proportion unable to eat and drink without assistance.

Ministers have established an ambitious target of achieving 75 per cent school readiness among children by 2028.

The most recent Department for Education statistics show that 68.3 per cent of pupils demonstrated a good level of development by the end of reception during the 2024/25 academic year, representing a slight improvement on the previous year.

Ms Bailey emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between schools, nurseries, childminders and families to ensure every child arrives at school feeling settled and ready to learn.