Sample Intimate Care Policy for Early Years Settings Sept 2021

??? Primary &

Nursery School

INTIMATE CARE POLICY

School Logo

Date approved by

Board of Governors: _____________________________

Review Due: _____________________________

Intimate Care Policy

The Intimate Care policy has been developed in line with the Regional Intimate Care Policy

and Guidelines Regarding Children.

Introduction

??? Primary & Nursery School is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the

intimate care of children will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times.

We recognise that there is a need to treat all children with respect when intimate care is

given. No child should be attended to in a way that causes distress, embarrassment or pain.

The Intimate Care Policy and Guidelines regarding children have been developed to

safeguard children and staff.

They apply to everyone involved in the intimate care of children.

Please note: The term parent/s is used to refer to parents, carers and legal guardians.

Definition of Intimate Care

Intimate care may be defined as any activity required to meet the personal care needs of

each individual child. Intimate care may involve washing, touching or carrying out an

invasive procedure (such as cleaning up after a child has soiled him/herself), that most

children can carry out for themselves, but with which some are unable to do due to physical

disability, special educational needs associated with learning difficulties, medical needs or

needs arising from the child’s stage of development.

Intimate care for pre-school children may also involve help with drinking, eating, dressing,

supervision of a child involved in intimate self-care and toileting. Help may also be needed

with changing colostomy bags and other such equipment. It may also require the

administration of an insulin injection, EpiPen or rectal medication.

In most cases intimate care will involve procedures to do with personal hygiene and the

cleaning of equipment associated with the process. In the case of a specific procedure only a

person suitably trained and assessed as competent will undertake the procedure. Any

additional training will be provided by the school.

Aims

The aims of this document and associated guidance are:

• To provide reassurance to staff and parent/s

• To safeguard the dignity, rights and well-being of children

• To assure parents that staff are knowledgeable about intimate care and that their child’s

individual needs and concerns are taken into account

Principles

This document embraces the principles of The Children (N.I.) Order 1995, Cooperating to

Safeguard Children 2003 and The Area Child Protection Committees’

Regional Policy and Procedures 2005.

• Every child has the right to feel safe and secure

• Every child has the right to be treated as an individual

• Every child has the right to remain healthy

• Every child has the right to privacy, dignity and a professional approach from all staff when

meeting his or her needs

• Every child has the right to information and support that will enable him or her to make

informed and appropriate choices

• Every child has the right to be accepted for who they are, without regard to age, gender,

ability, race, culture or beliefs

• Every child (and parent) has the right to information and procedures for any complaint or

queries he or she may have regarding intimate care

Our Approach to Best Practice

The management of all children with intimate care needs will be carefully planned. The

child's welfare and dignity is of paramount importance.

Staff will be supported to adapt their practice in relation to the needs of individual children,

taking into account their developmental stage. The child will be supported to achieve the

highest level of autonomy that is possible given their age and abilities. Staff will encourage

each child to do as much for him/herself as he/she can. This may mean, for example, giving

the child responsibility for washing themselves.

Individual intimate care plans will be drawn up for particular children as appropriate to suit

the circumstances of the child. Careful consideration will be given to each

child's situation to determine how many carers might need to be present when a child is

toileted. Where possible one child will be catered for by one trained adult, unless there is a

sound reason for having more adults present. If this is the case, the reasons will be clearly

documented.

Intimate care arrangements will be discussed with parents/carers on a regular basis and

recorded on the child's intimate care plan. The needs and wishes of children and parents

will be taken into account wherever possible within the constraints of staffing and equal

opportunities legislation.

Working with Parents

Partnership with parents is an important principle in any school and is particularly necessary

in relation to children needing intimate care. Much of the information

required to make the process of intimate care as comfortable as possible is available from

parents, including knowledge and understanding of any religious/cultural sensitivities. Prior

permission must be obtained from parents before Intimate care procedures are carried out

(see appendix 7). Parents should be encouraged and empowered to work with staff to

ensure their child’s needs are identified, understood and met. This will include involvement

with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Health Care Plans and any other plans which identify

the need for intimate care where appropriate. Exchanging information with parents is

essential through face-to-face contact, telephone or written correspondence. However,

information concerning intimate care procedures should not be recorded in home/school

books as it may contain confidential information that could be accessed by people other

than the parent and named staff member.

Writing an Intimate Care Plan

Where a routine procedure is required an intimate care plan should be agreed in discussion

with the child, school staff, parents and relevant health personnel. The plan should be

signed by all who contribute and reviewed on an agreed basis.

In developing the plan, the following should be considered:

a) Whole School implications

• The importance of working towards independence

• Arrangements for home-school transport, sports day, school performances, school trips,

etc.

• Ensure that there is enough stock of equipment such as nappies.

• Who will substitute in the absence of the appointed person?

b) Classroom management

• A system for the child to leave class without disruption to the lesson

• Avoidance of missing the same lesson all year due to medical routines

• Awareness of a child’s discomfort which may affect learning

• Implications for physical play e.g. discreet clothing, additional time for changing

• Strategies for dealing with pressure from peers. e.g. teasing/bullying particularly if the

child has an odour

All plans will be clearly recorded to ensure clarity of expectation, roles and responsibilities.

They will reflect all methods of communication including emergency procedures between

home, school and medical services. A procedure will also be included to explain how

concerns arising from the intimate care process will be dealt with (e.g. School’s Complaint’s

Policy).

Links with other agencies

Positive links with other agencies will enable school-based plans to take account of the

knowledge, skills and expertise of other professionals and will ensure the child’s well-being

and development remains paramount.

Voice of the Child

??? Primary & Nursery School will agree the appropriate terminology for private parts of the

body and functions to be used by staff. It may be possible to determine a child’s wishes by

observation of reactions to the intimate care. Where there is any doubt that a child is able

to make an informed choice on these issues, the child’s parents/carers are usually in the

best position to act as advocates. It is the responsibility of all staff caring for a child to

ensure they are aware of the child’s method and level of communication. Communication

methods may include words, signs, symbols, body movements and eye pointing. To ensure

effective communication with the child, staff will ascertain the agreed method of

communication and identify this in the agreed Intimate Care Plan.

Recruitment

Parents must feel confident that relevant staff have been carefully vetted and trained,

helping to avoid potentially stressful areas of anxiety and conflict. Recruitment and selection

of candidates for posts involving intimate care will be made following the usual

Safeguarding, AccessNI checks, equal opportunities and employment rights legislation.

Candidates will be made fully aware of what will be required and detailed in their job

description before accepting the post.

Staff Professional Development

• Staff will receive training in working practices which comply with Health & Safety.

• All staff will receive Safeguarding/Child Protection training as part of Whole School

Training.

• Staff will be trained in the specific types of intimate care that they carry out and fully

understand the intimate care policy and guidelines within the context of their work.

• Staff will receive Moving and Handling training where appropriate.

• Newly appointed staff will be closely supervised until completion of a successful

probationary period.

• The school will keep a dated record of all training undertaken.

• The school will ensure staff understand the needs of children from different racial and

cultural backgrounds and specialist advice sought when necessary.

In addition, identified staff members should be able to:

• Access other procedures and policies regarding the welfare of the child e.g. Child

Protection Policy

• Communicate with and involve the child in the intimate care process

• Offer choices, wherever possible

• Develop, where possible, greater independence with the procedure of intimate care.

Environmental

Where children have a long - term incontinence or a disability requiring regular intimate

care, the school may require specially adapted facilities. Specialist advice from medical or

therapy staff will be sought when considering space, heating, ventilation and lighting.

Additional considerations we have in place include:

• Facilities with hot & cold running water

• Protective clothing including disposable protective gloves - provided by the school

• Labelled bins for the disposal of wet & soiled nappies/pads

• Waste for incineration

• Supplies of suitable cleaning materials; anti-bacterial spray, sterilising fluid,

deodorisers, anti-bacterial hand wash

• Supplies of appropriate clean clothing, nappies, disposal bags and wipes

• Changing mat or changing bench

• An effective system to alert staff for help in an emergency.

The Protection of Children

The School’s Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy will be adhered to. If a member of staff

has any concerns about changes in a child's presentation, e.g. marks, bruises, soreness etc.

s/he will immediately report concerns to the Designated Teacher for Child Protection.

Further advice will be sought from outside agencies if necessary. If a child makes an

allegation against a member of staff, all necessary procedures will be followed.

Vulnerability to abuse

Children should be encouraged to recognise and challenge inappropriate assistance and

behaviour that erodes their dignity and self-worth. It is essential that all staff are familiar

with the school’s Child Protection policy and procedures.

The following are factors that can increase a child’s vulnerability:

• Children who need help with intimate care are statistically more vulnerable to

exploitation and abuse

• Children with disabilities may have less control over their lives than others

• Children may experience multiple carers

• Children may not be able to distinguish between intimate care and abuse

• Children may not be able to communicate.

If a child is hurt accidentally, he or she should be immediately reassured, and the adult

should check that he or she is safe, and the incident reported immediately to the designated

line manager.

Toileting Procedures (see Appendix 4)

If the toilet management plan has been agreed and signed by parents, children and staff, it

is acceptable for only one member of staff to assist unless there are implications for safe

moving and handling of the child.

The plan will consider the following:

• Location of the plan for reference, ensuring discretion and confidentiality.

• Location of recording procedures, ensuring discretion and confidentiality.

• Necessary equipment & waste disposal – see environmental.

• Clear labelling of equipment and procedures will be displayed e.g. Wipe table after

use.

Relevant Policies

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with other School policies:

• Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy

• Health & Safety Policy

• Staff Recruitment Policy

• Safe Handling Policy

• The Administration of Medicines in Schools

• Staff Code of Conduct

• Anti-bullying policy

Further Guidance

Regional Intimate Care Policy and Guidelines Regarding Children which can be accessed

here.

Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland Procedures Manual which is available here.

Appendices

Appendix 1 Record of Agencies involved

Appendix 2 Record of Intimate Care Intervention

Appendix 3 Working Towards Independence record

Appendix 4 Toilet Management Plan

Appendix 5 Agreement Between Child and Classroom Assistant

Appendix 6 Permission for Schools to Provide Intimate Care

APPENDIX 1

RECORD OF AGENCIES INVOLVED

Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________

DOB: ___________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Parent/Carer: ___________________________________________________

GP: ___________________________________________________

School Nurse/

Health visitor: ___________________________________________________

Continence Advisor____________________________________________________

Physiotherapist: ___________________________________________________

Occupational Therapist:________________________________________________

Hospital Consultant:___________________________________________________

Physical/Sensory Service:______________________________________________

Social Worker: ___________________________________________________

Others: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

APPENDIX 2

RECORD OF INTIMATE CARE INTERVENTION

Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________

DOB: ___________________________________________________

Name of support

staff involved: ___________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________

Time: ___________________________________________________

Procedure: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Further comments: ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Signature(s): ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

APPENDIX 3

WORKING TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE PLAN

Child’s Name: ______________________________________________

DOB: ______________________________________________

Date of Plan: ______________________________________________

Name of support

staff involved: ______________________________________________

I can do: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

I will try to do: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Review date: ______________________________________________

Parents/Carer: ______________________________________________

Child (if appropriate): ______________________________________________

Personal Assistant: ______________________________________________

Senior Management/

SENCO: ______________________________________________

APPENDIX 4

TOILET MANAGEMENT PLAN

Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________

DOB: ___________________________________________________

Date of Plan: ___________________________________________________

Name of support

staff involved: ___________________________________________________

Area of need: ___________________________________________________

Equipment required:___________________________________________________

Location of suitable

toilet facilities: ___________________________________________________

Support required: ___________________________________________________

Frequency of support:__________________________________________________

Signed:

Parent/Carer: ___________________________________________________

SENCO: ___________________________________________________

APPENDIX 5

AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHILD AND CLASSROOM ASSISTANT

Child’s Name: ______________________________________________

DOB: ______________________________________________

Classroom Assistant’s Name:____________________________________________

Date of Agreement: ______________________________________________

Personal Assistant

As the Personal Assistant helping you in the toilet you can expect me to do the following:

• When I am the identified person, I will stop what I am doing to help you

• I will avoid all unnecessary delays

• I will treat you with respect and ensure privacy and dignity at all times

• I will ask permission before touching you or your clothing

• I will check that you are as comfortable as possible, both physically and emotionally

• If I am working with a colleague to help you, I will ensure that we talk in a way that does

not embarrass you

• I will look and listen carefully if there is something you would like to change about your

Toilet Management Plan.

Child

As the child who requires help in the toilet you can expect me to do the following:

• I will try, whenever possible to let you know a few minutes in advance, that I am going to

need the toilet so that you can make yourself available and be prepared to help me

• I will try to use the toilet at break time or at the agreed times

• I will tell you if I want you to stay in the room or stay with me in the toilet.

• I will tell you straight away if you are doing anything that makes me feel uncomfortable or

embarrassed

• I may talk to other trusted people about how you help me. They too will let you know

what I would like to change

• We will review this agreement on: ___________________________________

• Child (if appropriate): ___________________________________

• Parent/Carer: ___________________________________

• Classroom Assistant: ___________________________________

APPENDIX 6

PERMISSION FOR ??? SCHOOL & NURSERY TO PROVIDE INTIMATE CARE

I understand that:

• I give permission to the school to provide appropriate intimate care support to my child

e.g. changing soiled clothing, washing, toileting, administering medication.

• I will advise the Principal of any medical complaint my child may have which affects issues

of intimate care.

Name: ___________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________

Relationship to child:___________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________

Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________

DOB: ___________________________________________________

Male/Female: ___________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Tel. Number(s): ___________________________________________________