Policy statement
No child is excluded from participating in our setting who may, for any reason, not yet be toilet trained and who may still be wearing nappies or equivalent. We work with parents towards toilet training, unless there are medical or other developmental reasons why this may not be appropriate at the time.
We provide nappy changing facilities and exercise good hygiene practices in order to accommodate children who are not yet toilet trained.
We see toilet training as a self-care skill that children have the opportunity to learn with the full support and non-judgemental concern of adults.
Procedures
- We encourage young children from three years to normally wear pull ups, or other types of trainer pants, as soon as they are comfortable with this and if their parents agree.
- Our changing area is warm, with a safe area to lay children and no bright lights shining down in their eyes.
- Each child brings their own bag with their nappies or pull ups and changing wipes in.
- Our staff put on gloves and aprons before changing starts and the areas are prepared. Paper towel is put down on the changing mat freshly for each child.
- Whenever possible 2 staff members will be present when a child needs assistance. However, there are times when removing 2 adults from the room may endanger the other children or staff. In this instance a barrier will be put up and the child changed in the preschool room on a changing mat, behind the barrier.
- All our staff are familiar with our hygiene procedures and carry these out when changing nappies.
- Our staff never turn their back on a child or leave them unattended whilst they are on the changing mat.
- We are gentle when changing; we avoid pulling faces and making negative comments about ‘nappy contents’.
- We do not make inappropriate comments about children’s genitals when changing their nappies.
- In addition, we ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and a time to promote independence in young children.
- We encourage children to take an interest in using the toilet; they may just want to sit on it and talk to a friend who is also using the toilet.
- Work with parents and carers on a potty training regime when and if the time is right.
- We encourage children to wash their hands, and have soap and towels to hand. They should be allowed time for some play as they explore the water and the soap.
- Older children can ask to use the toilet when they have the need to and are encouraged to be independent
- Staff will report back should the child be distressed, or if marks or rashes are seen.
- Contact the parent or carer if the child is distressed and does not want to have their nappy or clothing changed.
We ask the parent or carer to do the following:
- Agree that the child in nappies is changed at the latest possible time before being brought to the Pre-school.
- Provide the Pre-school with spare nappies, wipes and change of clothing.
- Understand and agree the procedure that will be followed when their child is changed at the setting – including the use of any cleanser or the application of any cream.
- Agree to inform the setting of any marks or rashes that the child has.
- Agree to a ‘minimum change’ policy. The Pre-school will not undertake to change the child more frequently than if they were at home.
- Agree to review arrangements should this be necessary.