Practice

School complies with the safeguarding regulations with regards to recruitment of staff and the use of agency staff.

It is expected that in line with developmental norms, most children will be toilet trained before starting in nursery/ reception however in line with the Equality Act 2010 our schools does not discriminate against or disadvantage disabled children or those with special educational needs.  Schools must make reasonable adjustments for pupils who are not yet toilet trained, under the Equality Act 2010.

If children are not toilet trained, then they may attend nursery in pull ups but staff will, together with parents, begin the process of toilet training. Children will have a personal care plan written, in collaboration with parents, to set out how the intimate care will be supported following advice from the OT and Early Start services. The school asks parents to send plenty of changes of clothes during this period.

All adults who work with children are DBS checked and all staff who support a child with intimate care will inform another adult. There is no legal requirement for 2 adults to be present, see ‘Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children and young people in education settings’, p14 2015.  If a child soils themselves the member of staff will support the child to change and clean themselves to a hygienic level. Parents may be called if the child becomes particularly distressed, however this will be discussed as part of the care plan.  If there is any evidence of illness, then parents will be called. Where a child or young person’s care plan does not include ‘intimate care’, parents/carers will be informed the same day if their child has needed help with meeting intimate care needs. (e.g. if soiled or passed urine).

Some pupils who have additional needs or a disability may require assistance from staff for their personal care needs for an extended period, or for the duration of their time at the school.  This includes personal hygiene, assistance in the toilet, assistance to un/dress and, for some girls’, assistance with managing menstruation. Where possible children are taught and encouraged to become independent in these routines from as early an age as possible.

If an adult does need to assist, then the ‘hand over hand’ technique and visuals as provided by the OT service should be used.

Where a child requires regular toileting assistance, either for a short time as a result of injury / illness or long term due to their additional needs, then a Personal Care Plan will be completed together with parents and support visuals shared. A record of toilet management can be kept for each child. Parents should supply changes of clothes and pull ups, if required, to the school. In line with advice from Early Start, pupils working on toilet training can wear pull ups but also pants underneath so they can start to recognise when they need to be changed.

Due regard is given to pupils’ age and gender appropriateness, the familiarity of adult/pupil relationship, classroom organisation and delivery of the curriculum. The personal care needs of many pupils can be met with the assistance of one adult. Other pupils have more complex care and/or behaviour needs and two adults may be required to assist. All support will be agreed during the creation of the Personal Care Plan.

Staff gender in the context of attending to pupils’ personal care

• Same gender personal care of pupils is provided where staffing arrangements permit, however it is considered appropriate for female staff to attend to the personal care of all pupils.
• Male staff may attend to the personal care of all boys regardless of age, although where there is a high level of personal care required e.g. with the youngest children in the EYFS, other requirements may influence decisions made.