This policy supports the Rights Respecting principles adopted by Lady Margaret Primary School and is particularly relevant to the following articles:
UNICEF – Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Article 3:
The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect children.
Article 19:
Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and bad treatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them.
Article 23:
Children who are disabled, either mentally or physically, have a right to special care and education so they can lead full and independent lives.
Article 34:
Nobody can do anything to your body that you do not want them to do, and grown-ups should protect you.
Article 37:
No child should be punished in a way that humiliates or hurts them.
This policy is part of the safeguarding practice and equality practice. This policy provides guidance for staff regarding the personal care of pupils and it informs parents of what practices are in place to ensure their children’s safety, care and dignity.
All school staff are required to follow this policy and to support colleagues in following this policy.
Lady Margaret Primary School is committed to:
This policy is written with reference to the following documents:
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.
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 suggests sending 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 paln. 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 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 will 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
Use of agency staff & Volunteers
Duty of Care including Allegations of abuse by staff members
The school has a duty of care to all staff and adults working on site. This includes supporting staff members so that they are not professionally compromised.
Lady Margaret Primary School adheres to the following DfE guidance (see link).
This would be followed if an allegation was made.
This policy is shared with parents and all permanent and temporary staff and is reviewed annually by the Governing Body
Personal Care Policy Appendix 1: Guidance for staff re: soiling at school
The following guidance summarises the key information found in the Personal Care policy
Some children may have an accident and soil at school.
Children are not to be sent home if they have soiled. Parents should not be called unless it has been discussed with one of the DHT/AHT or the Headteacher. The only exception to this is if there is evidence of diarrhoea, but this should be discussed with a member of SLT BEFORE ringing parents as with any illness.
If you are not sure what to do, please refer to your year leader in the first instance. If you cannot find your phase leader, please seek the AHT/ DHT responsible for your phase.
Some children with additional needs may have a Personal Care Plan to manage their toileting needs – available from Medical tracker or in the class medical bags. If this is the case, then please follow the instructions on the plan. If you are unsure of any points, please refer to class teacher or SENCO.
When children are in N, R and year 1 and there is no evidence of diarrhoea, the child should be encouraged to clean themselves or shown how to do it with hand over hand techniques. Parents should be informed and a decision should be made if a Personal Care Plan is required.
There are a number of spare clothes and pants that can be used and a stock of clean lost property and underwear that will fit children from year – year 2.
If a child further up the school soils, then we would try to find clothes to fit them. Children with diarrhoea will need to isolate at home for 48 hours in line with guidelines. This is to prevent the spread of infection.
If the child is not toilet trained, and in Reception and above, then they will require a Personal Care Plan, this can be discussed with the medical lead or SENCO and worked out and agreed in a meeting with parents.
If the child is toilet trained, but keeps having accidents, then please alert the SENCO.
Soiling is very distressing for children and therefore, a child who has soiled should not be left in the main office under any circumstances
Approved by:
Helen Rai
Date:
November 2021
Last reviewed on:
November 2021
Next review due by:
November 2022