Creating Bright Futures

Intimate Care and Toileting Policy

(including the safe disposal of nappies, aprons and gloves)

Date created - December 2021

Date reviewed - June 2023

Next review date -June 2025

This policy was approved by  the AGC 11th July 2023

Aim

At Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff,  we aim to meet the needs of all our children and promote their welfare. We recognise and assist children with intimate care where needed, and ensure that the children are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect at all times. 

Intimate care is defined as care involving washing, touching or carrying out a procedure to intimate personal areas which some children may need support in doing because of their young age, physical difficulties or other special needs.

Where a child has intimate care needs, a designated member of staff takes responsibility to provide their care. We address issues on an individual basis.

Due to the developmental stages of the children that we work with, we support them with their personal care: reminding the children to go to the toilet, hygiene etc to develop their independence. As outlined in the foundation stage curriculum, we are responsible for children’s personal care skills, as an essential part of Personal Development, in order to be able to access the rest of the curriculum. 

On some occasions, children come to our setting in nappies. We support children sensitively and with dignity in this matter. Also, from time to time some children will have accidents and need to be attended to.  Parents are asked to supply a bag of clean clothes for their child in a bag to be hung on their child’s peg. These are taken into the toilet facilities prior to changing.  However a supply of spare clothing is available if necessary and parents are asked to return this as soon as possible.If a child has needed help with meeting intimate care needs (had an accident). This is treated as confidential and shared with the parents in person at the end of the day, or sooner if required.

Implementation

Staff training

• All staff are knowledgeable about intimate care/personal care. They are aware of their responsibilities, relevant policies and procedures in place (including adhering to Child Protection, Health and Safety, Confidentiality). The designated employed adult is trained and has received training for very specific intimate care procedures where relevant. Records of DBS and Childcare Disqualification Act checks are held on the Single Central Record. Staff follow the child’s care plan and they undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times. They are fully aware of best practice including hygiene.

Intimate care / personal care plan

• If a child requires regular assistance with intimate care, staff meet with the parents to discuss the child’s needs and devise an agreed intimate / personal care plan, (Appendix 1). Relevant health personnel are involved if needed. We monitor and review the plan on a regular basis.

Practice

• The designated practitioner who provides the care (in most cases: the child’s key person) forms a strong, trusting relationship with the child. They ensure that it is a positive experience that is safe and comfortable for all. Whilst the child is having their needs met, it is treated as a time to converse and promote their personal development.
• The child is encouraged to undertake as much of the procedure for themselves as possible, including washing intimate areas, dressing/undressing and hygiene.
• The early year’s Shower room is used to attend to a child’s needs and every effort is made to ensure privacy and modesty.
• Most procedures are carried out by just the designated person. However, careful consideration is given to the child’s individual circumstances to determine how many practitioners might need to be present when a child needs help with intimate care.
•  If a child is unhappy or anxious about the care being provided, the issue will be addressed to ensure that we continually meet a child’s needs.

Working with parents

• We work closely with parents to identify and ensure we meet the child’s needs. Cultural and religious values are respected when planning for their care. We seek to engage in regular communication with parents, and monitor and review the plan together.

Working with outside agencies

• We work closely with outside agencies and utilize their knowledge and expertise where necessary. The SENDCo coordinates this approach.

Disposal of nappies, aprons and gloves safely

We have in place good hygiene practices when disposing of waste to stop infection.We follow stringent nappy changing procedures to ensure the safe disposal of waste, see below.

Changing a nappy

• A clean disposable apron and gloves is worn every time a child is changed, after having washed their hands thoroughly. 
• Whilst changing, children’s skin is cleaned with a disposable wipe/creams if needed.
• Nappies and ’pull ups’, gloves, aprons and wipes are disposed of hygienically and safely by double bagging and disposing of in the appropriate bin.

A copy of the Tips for Toilet Training is also available for parents if they request a copy.

A risk assessment is held in the school office and will be revised as necessary.

This policy has been written in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Appendix 1

Intimate Care Plan

(Deleted sections below that are not needed)

Support needed: nappies / pull-ups:

• A clean disposable apron and gloves is worn every time a child is changed, after having washed their hands thoroughly. 
• Whilst changing, children’s skin is cleaned with a disposable wipe/creams if needed.
• Nappies and ’pull ups’, gloves, aprons and wipes are disposed of hygienically and safely by double bagging and disposing of in the appropriate bin.
• Adult to inform the parents and carers when spare clothes replacing

Support needed: changing pants and clean up:

• A clean disposable apron and gloves is worn every time a child is changed, after having washed their hands thoroughly. 
• Whilst changing, children’s skin is cleaned with a disposable wipe
•  gloves, aprons and wipes are disposed of hygienically and safely by double bagging and disposing of in the appropriate bin.
• Adult to inform the parents and carers when spare clothes replacing

Support needed: changing pants and clean up:

• Support the child to organise spare pants, wet wipes and disposal bag.
• Encourage/coach the child in the steps for the changing and clean up.
• Adult responsible for the hygienic  disposal of the wipes and storage of wet/soiled pants and clothes.
• Adult to inform the parents and carers that the child has been supervised and will need spare pants/clothes replacing.
• Parents are called if the pupil is distressed and cannot manage the clean up.
• In the event of no parent being available, the member of staff will support the child to change and clean up. Parents/Carers will be informed.

Signatures

Parent/Carer ...........................................................          

Date                  Review Date