Personal Care Policy

…learning through play

Personal Care Policy

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework in England.

The EYFS states: Personal care includes helping a child, for reasons of age, illness or disability, with eating or drinking, or in connection with toileting, washing, bathing and dressing.

Parent responsibilities: parents / carers have a responsibility to inform me about their child’s intimate care needs and to keep me updated.

My responsibilities:

  • Everyone over the age of 16 working with children will hold or be applying for a DBS / CRB check.
  • Only assistants / staff who have completed the induction process (all settings) and received an Ofsted suitability letter (childminders) will take on the intimate care of children.
  • All assistants / staff must be trained in the specific types of intimate care as required.
  • If an assistant / staff member has concerns about a colleague’s intimate care practice, they must report it to the designated safeguarding lead and / or local authority designated officer (LADO).
  • When carrying out personal care (nappy changing, toileting etc), childminders must ensure children’s privacy while also monitoring the other children in the setting to keep them safe.

Practice guidelines:

  • Do not carry a mobile phone, camera or similar when providing intimate care.
  • When intimate care is being carried out, all children have the right to dignity and privacy – use the adult’s body to shield children while they are having their nappies changed or visiting the toilet.
  • Talk to the child and, where possible, gain their permission for the intimate care to take place.
  • Try to encourage a child’s independence as far as possible – where the child is fully dependent, talk with them about what is happening.
  • Note any unusual markings, discolorations or swelling on the child – record and report immediately.
  • Follow the ‘Non-Mobile Baby Protocol’ if a non-mobile baby or child has marks on their body.

Note: the intimate care of boys and girls can be carried out by a member of staff of the same or opposite sex to the child.

If you have any concerns regarding this policy please discuss them with me.

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email     stacey@staceyroberts-childminding.com