Respectful intimate care and nappy changing

Privacy during changing and toileting

We have toileting procedures in place which ensure all children's privacy is respected during changing or using the toilet.

Toilet training before a child starts

We do require all children to be toilet trained prior to attending the Nursery at age 3. However, no child is excluded from participating in our setting who may, for any reason, not yet be fully toilet trained. We work with parents towards toilet training, unless there are medical or other developmental reasons why this may not be appropriate at the time.

Children entering the nursery should be dry and be able to use a toilet with assistance before they start. Nappies and pull-ups are not generally allowed in the setting, although each case and surrounding circumstances will be considered individually. No child will be discriminated against for this reason. Each family will be supported, and children and parents/carers will be assisted to enable children to meet this important milestone.

Facilities and hygiene practices

We provide cleaning, changing and nappy changing facilities and exercise good hygiene practices in order to support and accommodate children using the toilet and during toilet training.

How toilet training is supported

We see toilet training as a self-care skill that children have the opportunity to learn with the full support and non-judgmental concern of adults.

• All parents are required to bring in two sets of spare clothes which will be used in emergencies.

• We encourage all children who are toilet training to wear pants rather than pull ups so that they get used to going to the toilet to relieve themselves.

• Young children are taken to the toilet at regular times and at regular intervals if needed, such as before garden time, after lunch.

• Our staff put on gloves and aprons before changing or toilet cleaning starts, and the areas are prepared.

• All our staff are familiar with our hygiene procedures and carry these out when cleaning children.

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

Younger children and children with SEND

Since the preschool takes children who are three years old, they are expected to be dry and toilet trained. If the setting does take on any younger children or children with SEND who have a significant delay to their toilet training then we have additional information on nappy changing and toilet training in our Respectful Intimate Care and Nappy Changing Policy.