1. Introduction

At Be. Independent Day Nursery, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and dignity during nappy changing and toileting. This procedure outlines our practices to ensure the safety, comfort, and respect of all

children.

2. Aims of the Procedure

• To provide a safe and hygienic environment for nappy changing and toileting.
• To promote children’s independence and confidence in their personal care.
• To ensure that all staff members follow consistent and appropriate practices.

3. Nappy Changing Procedure

3.1 Preparation

• Ensure that the changing area is clean, safe, and well-equipped with all necessary supplies, including:

• Disposable gloves
• Nappies
• Wipes
• Nappy bags
• Creams (named, labelled cream from the child’s home)

3.2 Changing Process

1. Gather Supplies: Collect all necessary supplies before bringing the child to the changing area.

2. Wash Hands: Staff must wash their hands thoroughly before beginning the changing process.

3. Position the Child: Place the child on the changing mat, ensuring their safety and comfort. Always maintain appropriate levels of dignity. The child’s head should always be placed at the more padded end of the changing mat. A child is never to be left unattended on a changing table at any point.

4. Weight Restrictions When Using the Changing Table: The guideline for lifting states that children weighing approximately 15 kg or more, should have the changing matt moved to a safe and clean space on the floor, whilst still

Be. Independent Day Nursery – Policies for Website, updated October 2024 maintaining maximum dignity for the child. This policy is in place to minimize the risk of injury when lifting.

5. Change the Nappy:

• Put on disposable gloves.
• Remove the soiled nappy and clean the child’s bottom using wipes, ensuring you wipe from front to back.
• Dispose of the soiled nappy and wipes in the designated nappy bin.
• Put on a clean nappy and secure it appropriately.

6. Remove Gloves: Dispose of gloves in the nappy bin and wash hands thoroughly. All rubbish, including gloves, are to be placed in a sealed bag before being placed into the bin to prevent contamination.

7. Comfort the Child: Encourage the child to feel comfortable and reassure them during the process. Children after nappy changes are also encouraged to wash hands, the same as if they were toileting.

3.3 Documentation

• Record the nappy change, noting the time, any skin issues, and whether the child is due for a change again soon. This helps monitor patterns and maintain communication with parents. This information is also uploaded onto Blossom.

4. Toileting Procedure

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure that the toilet area is clean, safe, and accessible for children.
• Provide step stools and child-sized toilets where appropriate.

4.2 Supporting Children

1. Encourage Independence: Support children in using the toilet independently,

offering assistance only as needed.

2. Supervision: Staff will supervise children in the toilet area to ensure safety

while respecting their privacy.

3. Hygiene Education: Teach children about proper hygiene, including wiping,

flushing, and washing hands after using the toilet.

4.3 Post-Toileting Procedure

1. Washing Hands: Ensure that children wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet.

2. Drying Hands: Provide disposable towels for the children to dry their hands.

3. Documentation: Record any toileting incidents, including the time and any concerns regarding the child’s toilet habits.

5. Staff Training

• All staff will receive training on these procedures during their induction and will participate in regular refresher training. Staff members cannot change nappies

Be. Independent Day Nursery – Policies for Website, updated October 2024 until they have been shown how to do so by management, and it is agreed that they feel confident to do so and have shown confidence when modelling

the task.

• Staff will be trained in proper hygiene practices, child handling, and how to support children during nappy changing and toileting.

• All nappy changes are to be carried out by the child’s key worker, or if that is not possible the buddy of that key worker. This is a prime aspect of the day for key workers to bond with their key children and have 1:1 interaction to hear about the child’s day.

6. Communication with Parents

• Parents will be informed about our nappy changing and toileting procedures during initial visits and will be encouraged to communicate any specific needs or preferences.
• Parents will be notified if any concerns arise regarding their child’s nappy changing or toileting habits.

7. Policy Review

This Nappy Changing and Toileting Procedure will be reviewed annually or as necessary to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current legislation and best practices.