Intimate Personal Care

To ensure parents/carers are consulted in the intimate care of their children. We believe this policy should be a working document that is fit for purpose, represents the school ethos, enables consistency and quality across the school and is related to the following legislation:

 Children Act 1989
 Education Act 1996
 Education Act 2002
 Children Act 2004
 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006  Education and Inspections Act 2006

 Children and Young Persons Act 2008
 School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009
 Equality Act 2010
 Education Act 2011
 Special Educational Needs and Disability (Detained Persons) Regulations 2015

The following documentation is also related to this policy:

•   Equality Act 2010: Advice for Schools (DfE)

•   Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Teachers and other Staff: Guidance for Local Authorities,

  Headteachers, School Staff, Governing Bodies and Proprietors of Independent Schools (DfE)

•   Keeping Children Safe in Education: Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges (DfE)

•   Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Years. Statutory Guidance for

  Organisations Who Work With and Support Children and Young People with Special Educational

  Needs and Disabilities (DfE) and (DoH)

•   Working Together to Safeguard Children: A Guide to Inter-agency Working to Safeguard and Promote

  the Welfare of Children

  We understand intimate personal care includes 'hands-on physical care in personal hygiene, and physical presence or observation during such activities.' Intimate personal care is any activity such as feeding, oral care, washing, changing clothes, toileting, first aid and medical assistance, comforting and support, and supervising intimate self-care that is required to meet the personal needs of a child regularly or during a one-off incident.

  We have a duty to safeguard children and school personnel at all times. We must develop independence in each child but on those occasions when children need assistance they must feel safe, have personal privacy, feel valued, are treated with dignity and respect, are involved and consulted about their own intimate care with school personnel that are specially trained in intimate care procedures.

  We wish to work in close partnership with parents/carers and other professionals to ensure continuity of care for pupils.

  We treat every child as an individual treating them gently and sensitively as possible in order not to cause any form of distress, embarrassment or pain.

  We have a duty to take full account of the religious views and cultural values attached to aspects of intimate personal care with children. Also, to agree with parents, school personnel and children the appropriate terminology for private parts of the body and its functions.

We believe it is essential that this policy clearly identifies and outlines the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the procedures and arrangements that is connected with this policy.

Aims

The aim of this policy is:

•   To safeguard the rights and promote the best interests of the children;

•   To ensure children are treated with sensitivity and respect, and in such a way that their experience of

  intimate care is a positive one;

•   To safeguard school personnel trained in intimate care procedures.

•   To raise awareness and provide a clear procedure for intimate care;

•   To inform parents/carers in how intimate care is administered;

•   To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation connected to this policy.

  Definition

  Intimate care may be defined as any activity required to meet the personal care needs of each individual child. Parents have the responsibility to advise staff of any intimate care needs of their child, and staff have a responsibility to work in partnership with children and parents.
  Intimate care can include:

   Feeding;
   Oral care;
   Washing;
   Dressing/undressing - Supporting a pupil with dressing/undressing;
   Toileting - Assisting a pupil who has soiled him/herself, has vomited or feels unwell;  Menstrual care - Providing advice to enable a pupil to attend to their own needs;
   Supervision of a child involved in intimate self-care.

  Providing comfort or support for a distressed pupil and assisting a pupil requiring medical care, who is not able to carry this out unaided are also considered as intimate care.

  Rights of the child

  The following are the fundamental principles upon which the policy is based: Every child has the right to be safe;
  Every child has the right to personal privacy;
  Every child has the right to be valued as an individual;

  Every child has the right to be treated with dignity and respect;
  Every child has the right to be involved and consulted in their own intimate care to the best of their abilities;
  Every child has the right to have levels of intimate care that are as consistent as possible.

  Responsibilities of Staff

  At the Foxdell Federation all staff are DBS on application. Therefore, all individuals who provide intimate care will have been vetted correctly;

  •   All staff undertaking the intimate care of children must be familiar with, and understand the Intimate Care Policy and Guidelines.

  •   All staff must have an awareness of 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;

  •   Intimate care arrangements must be agreed by the school, parents/guardian and child (if

    appropriate) through the distribution of the school policy and by the parents signing a written

    consent form (see Appendix);

  •   Signed consent forms will be kept in a class file/ pupil red file in the office.

  •   If a parent/guardian does not return a signed consent form or requires alternative arrangements

    made for their child then this will also be recorded in the class file;

  •   Any concerns about an intimate care practice must be reported to the DSL

Procedure

Supporting dressing/undressing

Sometimes it will be necessary for staff to aid a child in getting dressed or undressed particularly in the Foundation Stage. Staff will always encourage children to attempt undressing and dressing unaided.

Providing comfort or support

Children may seek physical comfort from staff particularly the Foundation Stage. Where children require physical support, staff need to be aware that physical contact must be kept to a minimum and be child initiated. When comforting a child or giving reassurance, the member of staff’s hands should always be seen and a child should not be positioned close to a member of staff’s body which could be regarded as intimate. If physical contact is deemed to be appropriate staff must provide care which is suitable to the age, gender and situation of the child. If a child touches a member of staff in a way that makes him/her feel uncomfortable this can be gently but firmly discouraged in a way which communicates that the touch, rather than the child, is unacceptable.

Medical Procedures

It is preferable that medication is administrated at home before or after school. If it is necessary for a child to receive medicine during the school day parents/guardians must fill out a permission form from the school office and discuss their child’s needs with a member of staff before the school agrees to administer medicines or medical care. Parents and carers should be made aware that staff administration of medicines is voluntary. Any member of staff giving medicine must be first aid trained and should check:

•   The pupil's name;

•   Prescribed dose;

•   Expiry date;

•   Written instructions provided by parents or doctor;

•   Complete a school medicine administration form and have it counter signed, when possible, by

  another member of staff.

  Particular attention should be paid to the safe storage, handling and disposal of medicines. Medicines should be kept in a place not accessible to pupils. Arrangements must be in place to ensure that any medication that a pupil might need in an emergency is readily available to them.

  Medical Conditions

  If a child has a medical condition which is likely to lead to soiling and subsequent staff intervention, specific medical advice may be sought from outside agencies and the parents will be asked to sign a permission form so that staff can clean and change their child if necessary. If a parent does not give consent, the school will contact the parents or other emergency contact giving specific details about the necessity for cleaning the child. If the parents or emergency contact are able to come promptly, the child is comforted and kept away from the other children to preserve dignity until the parent arrives. If parents/guardians cannot be contacted - staff will decide on the most appropriate care to minimise any stress, discomfort or anxiety the child may be experiencing.

  Soiling

  Staff at the Foxdell Federation will work together in partnership with parents to support each child towards independent use of the toilet. If tending to a child who has soiled themselves during the school day staff will respond sensitively and professionally. If ‘accidents’ occur the child will change themselves into dry clothing, and wet items will be sent home for washing. The child’s independence will be encouraged as far as possible in his/her intimate care and reassurance given. A record of the incident will be kept in school (medical room) and the parent will be informed (by a note home, verbally at home collection time or phone call) and requested to return the borrowed items of clothing when laundered. If

there is an occurrence of heavier soiling or vomiting, this may require staff to provide care at a more personal level.

Staff will follow set procedures for this intimate care:
The child will be removed to a less public place to maintain dignity and avoid a feeling of humiliation; If appropriate, the child will be encouraged, through guidance and assistance, to clean themselves to make them more comfortable.
Parents should be contacted as soon as possible;

Staff will provide further intimate care in the following situations

•   If parents/guardians cannot be contacted –in discussion with a member of SLT, staff will decide

  on the most appropriate care to minimise any stress, discomfort or anxiety the child may be

  experiencing.

•   If the parents/guardians are unable to come to school.

•   If the child is very distressed or suffering unduly.

•   Intimate care will only be provided to older children in extreme circumstances. It is anticipated

  that older children will be able to manage any circumstances given guidance or assistance.

•   If staff are providing intimate care, two members of staff must be in the vicinity at all times.

  If incidents of soiling is a regular occurrence then a pupil care plan will need to be put in place afterconsultation between the school, the pupils’ parent’s/guardians and if appropriate, other outside agencies. Please note: The well-being and dignity of the child will remain paramount at all times during any incident requiring intimate care.

  Nappy Changing

  Nappy changing procedures are as for soiling and include:

•   Nappy changing undertaken in the Accessible room- see changing procedures attached

•   Record kept when each nappy is changed and with information shared with parents/carers.

•   Children's nappies checked at appropriate intervals by nominated person.

•   Nappy changing resources readily supplied.

•   A new set of gloves and apron to be worn for every nappy change.

•   Child to be placed on a mat during a nappy change.

•   Soiled nappies to be placed in a nappy sack for disposal.

•   Any soiled clothes to be sent home in a separate bag.

•   All cleaning wipes to be placed in a nappy sack.

•   Nappy sack to be securely tied and placed in the appropriate bin for disposal in the medical

  room.

•   Before dressing the child dispose of all personal protective equipment used in the

  appropriate bin.

•   Hands to be washed before dressing child and hand sanitizer to be used

•   Then thoroughly clean the nappy changing area using anti-bacterial spray and disposal

  paper towels.

  Hygiene

  All staff must be familiar with normal precautions for avoiding infection. They must follow basic hygiene procedures and have access to protective, disposable gloves.

  Protection for staff

  Members of staff need to be aware of the potential danger of allegations being made against them and take precautions to avoid this risk. These should include:

•   If staff are providing intimate care two members of staff will be in the vicinity at all times

•   Gaining a verbal agreement from another member of staff that the action being taken is

necessary.

 Allow the child, wherever possible, to give verbal consent to the person assisting them.  Allow the child a choice in the sequence of care.
 Be aware of and responsive to the child's reactions

Guidelines for Good Practice

All children have the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect. These Guidelines are designed to safeguard children and staff. They apply to every member of staff involved with the intimate care of children. Adhering to these guidelines of good practice should safeguard children and staff.

•   Involve the child in their intimate care - Try to encourage a child’s independence as far as possible in his/her intimate care.

•   Where the child is fully dependant talk to them about what is going to be done and give them choice where possible.

•   Treat every child with dignity and respect and ensure privacy appropriate to the child’s age andsituation.

•   Make sure practice in intimate care is consistent.

•   Be aware of own limitations. Only carry out care activities you understand and feel competent

  and confident to carry out. If in doubt ask.

•   Promote positive self-esteem and body image. Confident, self-assured children who feel their

  body belongs to them are less vulnerable to sexual abuse.

•   If you have any concerns you must report them.

•   It is important to follow the school’s reporting and recording procedures.

•   Parents/guardians must be informed about concerns.

  Role of School Personnel with Responsibilities for Intimate Care

  School personnel will receive training in:
   safeguarding and child Protection  health and safety
   first aid, intimate care procedures

  Specific staff as appropriate and in addition will receive the following training/ guidance:  toilet training

   training in moving and handling  feeding
   oral care
   washing

   changing clothes
   first aid and medical assistance  comforting and support
   supervising intimate self-care

•   be professional in their duties at all times;

•   be respectful of a child’s needs;

•   preserve a child’s dignity and respect with a high level of privacy, choice and control

  appropriate to the child’s age and situation;

•   be aware of a child’s method and level of communication;

•   make sure practice in intimate care is consistent;

•   be aware of their own limitations;

•   promote positive self-esteem and body image;

•   report any concerns they have about a child;

•   report any concerns they have about a colleague’s intimate care practice;

•   be aware of the danger of allegations being made against them;

•   take precautions to avoid risk;

•   be aware of all individual intimate care plans;

Foxdell Schools Federation

•   discuss intimate care arrangements with parents/carers regularly;

•   record all arrangements of individual personal care plans;

•   be aware of all other linked policies;

•   maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour within and outside school and not to

  undermine fundamental British values;

•   work in partnership with parents and carers keeping them up to date with their child's

  progress and behaviour at school.

  Equality Impact Assessment

  Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a duty not to discriminate against people on the basis of their age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
  This policy has been equality impact assessed and we believe that it is in line with the Equality Act 2010 as it is fair, it does not prioritise or disadvantage any pupil and it helps to promote equality at this school.

  Monitoring the Implementation and Effectiveness of the Policy

  The practical application of this policy will be reviewed annually or when the need arises by the coordinator, the Headteacher and the nominated governor.
  A statement of the policy's effectiveness and the necessary recommendations for improvement will be presented to the Governing Body for further discussion and endorsement.

  Linked Policies

  Early Years
  Health and Safety
  Hygiene
  Pastoral Care
  Safeguarding and Child Protection SEN
  Support Staff

Locations

Foxdell Schools Federation

Procedure for changing/cleaning children

• Accessible toilet

• Children’s toilets

  Procedure

• Promote independence

• Support independence

• Adult to change and clean child

  Equipment to use

• Plastic aprons

• Gloves

• Non-allergic wet-wipes

• Nappy sacks for soiled wipes (place in bin)

• Nappy sacks/ carrier bags for soiled underwear/clothes

• Soil bin

• Hand sanitizer

  Record of incident

• Form to be sent home – attached

• Copy of form filed in Intimate Care Folder

• Intimate Care Folder to be kept in Office

  Record Sheets/ Letters

• Located in Medical Room and School Office.

Dear Parent/ Carer

Your child currently wears nappies/soils/wets regularly. We will support your child in developing independence in changing/cleaning themselves.

Attached is our Intimate Care Policy for you to read.

Please sign and return the slip. Yours sincerely

J Abbott
Head teacher --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Promoting Independence- Intimate Personal Care Policy

Child’s Name __________________________ Class ____________________________

I have read the Intimate Personal Care Policy and agree to my child being supported to develop independence in changing/cleaning themselves.

Parent’s/Carer’s signature ......................................................................................... Date _________________________________

Date ............................................

Dallow Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 1TG Tel 01582 736 529 Fax 01582 486 991

Date .......................................... Your child ____________________________ soiled/wet themselves today at ............am/pm

•   they changed their clothes independently

•   they changed their clothes with adult support

•   they were changed by an adult

  In accordance with our Intimate Personal Care policy, the incident has been recorded.
  In your child’s bag you will find soiled/wet clothes.
  Would you kindly return the school’s clothes loaned to your child after they have been laundered.

  Thank you. Yours sincerely

  Class Teacher

Dear Parent,

Parent copy / School copy

Record of personal care intervention

Child/young person’s name: ...................................................

Record of personal care intervention

Toileting Plan Example

Record of discussions with parent