Nappy changing

Policy statement

 No child is excluded from the nursery 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 make necessary adjustments to our bathroom provision and hygiene practice 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

 

  • Keyperson have a list of personalised changing times for the children in their care who are in nappies or ‘pull-ups’.

  • Keyperson undertake changing the children in their key groups where possible; back up keyperson change the children along with the keyperson.

  • Changing areas are warm and there are safe areas to lay young children if they need to have their bottoms cleaned.

  • Each child has their personal creams and nappies, pull-ups to hand the nursery supply the wipes (non- perfumed) If a parent prefers to bring in their own choice of wipe these will also be included with their personal items.

  • Gloves and aprons are put on before changing starts and the areas are prepared. Paper towel is put down on the changing mat freshly for each child.

  • All staff are familiar with the hygiene procedures and carries these out when changing nappies.

  • In addition, the staff try to ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and a time to promote independence in young children.

  • The children are encouraged 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.

  • They should be encouraged 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.

  • Keyperson are gentle when changing; they avoid pulling faces and making negative comment about ‘nappy contents’.

  • Keyperson do not make inappropriate comments about children’s genitals when changing their nappies

  • Older children access the toilet when they have the need to and are encouraged to be independent.

  • Nappies and ’pull ups’ are disposed of hygienically. Any soil (faeces) in nappies or pull ups is flushed down the toilet and the nappy or pull up is bagged and put in the bin.

  • Ordinary pants that have been wet or soiled are rinsed and bagged for the parent to take home.

  • NB if children are left in wet or soiled nappies/’pull ups’ in the nursery this may constitute neglect and will be a disciplinary matter.

  • The nursery has a ‘duty of care’ towards children’s personal need.