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