Eglish National School

Intimate Care and Toileting Policy

Children with Specific Toileting/Intimate Care Needs:

  • In all situations where a pupil needs assistance with Toileting/intimate care, a meeting will be convened, after enrolment and before the child starts school
  • Parents, Guardians, Principal, Class Teacher, SNA, and if appropriate, the pupil, will attend
  • The specific care needs of the child, and how the school will meet them, will be clarified
  • Personnel involved in this care will be identified
  • Provision for occasions when staffs are absent will be outlined (e.g. Substitute SNA’s will not generally be involved in intimate care)
  • Two members of staff will be present when dealing with intimate care needs
  • Any changes will be discussed with parent/guardian and pupil and noted in writing to the pupil’s file
  • As far as possible the pupil will be involved in identification of his/her personal requirements, wishes, changes etc
  • A written copy of the agreement will be kept on the pupils file
  • Parents will be notified of any changes from agreed procedures
  • At all times the dignity and privacy of the pupil will be paramount in addressing intimate care needs
  • Staff will speak to the child and inform them as they are carrying out each step of the Intimate care process.
  • Staff will wear protective gloves

Toileting Accidents:

  • At the junior infant induction meetings, and / or in enrolment packs, the school procedures will be outlined to parents, and they will be asked to submit in writing specific wishes regarding toileting accidents
  • A supply of clean underwear, nappies wipes, track-suit bottoms etc will be kept in the school
  • In the first instance, the pupil will be offered fresh clothing to clean and change themselves
  • If, for any reason, the child is unable to clean or change themselves, the procedure outlined by parents will be followed
  • If staff must clean /change the child, two members of staff, familiar to the child will attend to him/her
  • Parents will be notified of these accidents
  • A record of the incident should be kept