Nappy Changing and Intimate Care Policy

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we are committed to promoting the health, wellbeing, dignity, and development of all children in our care. We recognise that nappy changing and intimate care are essential aspects of a young child’s day and should be carried out respectfully, sensitively, and in accordance with each child’s individual needs and stage of development.

This policy forms part of the nursery’s safeguarding arrangements and should be read in conjunction with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Infection Control Policy and SEND Policy. It also sets out our approach to ensuring that all children receive high-quality, safe, and dignified care in a nurturing environment. All intimate care procedures are carried out in line with EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements and with due regard to children’s rights and wellbeing.

Nappy changing is an important opportunity to build trusting, caring relationships between the child and their key person. We aim to ensure that this time is not only a hygienic and necessary routine, but also one that offers moments of connection, communication, and reassurance. Staff use this one-to-one time to engage positively with children, talk to them, sing songs, and respond to their cues, ensuring the experience is comforting and secure. Children are encouraged, were appropriate, to participate in their own care to promote independence and confidence.

Children’s dignity and right to privacy are respected at all times during toileting and nappy changing. However, our safeguarding procedures are carefully designed to ensure staff are always visible to others and that no child is left alone during any intimate care routines. The toileting and nappy changing areas have been purposefully designed to allow appropriate adult supervision while still protecting the modesty of the child. Intimate care routines are never carried out behind locked doors.

All intimate care is provided by trained and known staff members who are familiar with the child, and every instance of intimate care is appropriately logged to maintain transparency and accountability. Records include the child’s name, date, time, staff member and any concerns noted and are stored securely in line with data protection requirements.

We work in partnership with parents to share information regarding their child’s toileting and nappy changing needs. A two-way exchange of information between parents and the child’s key person allows for a consistent and informed approach. We respect cultural preferences, routines established at home, and any specific medical or developmental needs that may affect toileting or nappy changing. Parents’ wishes are respected wherever possible, provided they do not compromise the child’s safety, dignity or wellbeing.

Where a child uses reusable nappies, parents are asked to demonstrate correct fitting. Nursery staff will follow the same hygiene standards as with disposable nappies, disposing of waste appropriately, storing used items in a sealable, waterproof wet bag, and returning the items to parents at the end of each day.

Our nappy changing facilities are clean, well-maintained, and completely separate from food preparation, serving areas, and children’s play spaces. Changing mats are checked regularly for damage and are cleaned, disinfected, and dried thoroughly after each use. Any damaged equipment will be removed from use immediately.

Staff always wear a fresh pair of disposable gloves and a disposable apron for each nappy change. All soiled nappies are placed into a nappy sack and disposed of in a covered bin which is emptied regularly throughout the day and always at the end of each day. Clean nappies are stored in a dry, hygienic location that is free from contamination. These procedures support the nursery’s infection control and health and safety responsibilities.

We ask that any non-prescribed creams, such as barrier creams for rashes, be provided by parents which are clearly labelled. These creams are only applied with gloved hands, and staff record any concerns they notice during changing, such as signs of irritation, which are promptly communicated to parents. Any concerns that may indicate a safeguarding issue will be reported immediately in line with the Safeguarding Policy.

Children are never left unattended on the changing mat or in the toilet area. Staff ensure they have all necessary equipment ready before beginning any intimate care routine. Where a child is being supported with toilet training, we work closely with parents to develop a consistent, developmentally appropriate approach that meets the child’s individual needs. Staff offer encouragement and reassurance throughout the toilet training process, recognising that it is a sensitive time for both children and families.

Only staff with an up-to-date enhanced DBS check are permitted to undertake nappy changes or intimate care. All staff receive training in appropriate hygiene procedures, infection control, and respectful handling of intimate care through their induction and competency assessments. Newly appointed staff are thoroughly inducted into all relevant nursery procedures before carrying out any personal care tasks. Staff are made aware of safer working practice and professional boundaries at all times. Students or apprentices may only support nappy changing under the close supervision of a qualified member of staff, and pregnant staff will only undertake these duties following a full risk assessment. Reasonable adjustments will be made for staff where required.

To maintain high standards of practice and safety, we carry out regular observations of nappy changing routines as part of staff supervision. This allows us to identify good practice, offer support, and address any areas requiring improvement. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly to ensure the safety of both staff and children. We operate a clear whistleblowing procedure to ensure staff can raise any concerns about practice without fear, and any such concerns are taken seriously and investigated in line with our safeguarding policy.

We understand that intimate care may be a concern for parents or carers, and we welcome discussions around specific needs or routines. Where a child requires particular support with toileting or personal care due to a medical or developmental condition, we will meet with parents to develop an individual care plan. This may include advice from health professionals, additional staff training or specialist equipment. Care plans are reviewed regularly and shared with all relevant staff. This plan may include additional staff training or resources to ensure we meet the child’s needs confidently and safely.

This policy reflects our commitment to upholding children’s rights, maintaining hygiene and safety, and providing a calm, caring and respectful environment for every child. We believe that by approaching intimate care with sensitivity and professionalism, we can support children’s wellbeing, independence, and trust in the adults who care for them.