Nappy Changing

Statement of intent

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 make necessary adjustments to our toilets 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

• Keyworkers ensure that nappies / pull ups are changed regularly to avoid discomfort especially prior to lunch times if the child is remaining in the setting for the whole day.
• Changing areas are warm and there are safe areas to lay young children if they need to have their bottom cleaned.
• Each child has their own basket to hand with their nappies or pull ups and changing wipes.
• Gloves 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 is familiar with the hygiene procedures and carry these out when changing nappies.
• In addition, keyworkers ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and a time to promote independence in young children.
• Young 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.
• Anti-bacterial hand wash liquid or soap should not be used for young children
• Keyworkers are gentle when changing; they avoid pulling faces and make negative comment about “nappy contents”.
• Keyworkers do not make inappropriate comment about you children’s genitals when changing their nappies.
• Older children access the toilet when they have the need to and encouraged to be independent.
• Nappies and “pull ups” are disposed of hygienically in the bin provided.   Cloth nappies, trainer pants and ordinary pants that have been wet or soiled are rinsed and bagged for the parent to take home.