Early Years Practice- 3.05 Nappy Changing

Policy statement

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 provide nappy changing facilities and exercise good hygiene practices 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

• We ensure the children in our care who are in nappies or ‘pull-ups’ are changed regularly throughout the day.
• Every nappy change is recorded at the time of change to ensure that no child is missed.
• Changing areas are warm, with a safe area to lay children down and no bright lights shining down in their eyes. Staff are encouraged to use this time as a time to build communication skills by singing and talking to the child.
• Each child has a basket in the bathroom and a cotton bag on their peg with their nappies or ’pull ups’, changing wipes and creams which are provided by their parents/carers.
• Gloves are to be worn when changing children. New gloves are worn and the areas are cleaned using antibacterial cleaner between every child. Face coverings are also compulsory whilst in the bathroom and has been in place since June 2020 due to the Covid-19 period.
• Our staff never turn their back on a child or leave them unattended whilst they are on the changing mat.
• All staff are familiar with the hygiene procedures and carry these out when changing nappies.
• In addition, staff ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and a time to promote independence in young children.
• We do not make inappropriate comments about children’s genitals when changing their nappies
• 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. Parents are involved in the decision of when to introduce familiarities with the potty.
• They are encouraged to wash their hands and have soap and towels to hand. They are allowed time for some play as they explore the water and the soap. We encourage singing ‘happy birthday’ to make sure that hands are washed for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Staff are gentle when changing; they avoid pulling faces and making negative comment about ‘nappy contents’.
• 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 in a purpose bin. Cloth nappies, trainer pants and ordinary pants that have been wet or soiled are bagged for the parent to take home.

N.B. If young children are left in wet or soiled nappies/’pull ups’ in the setting this may constitute neglect and will be a disciplinary matter. Settings have a ‘duty of care’ towards children’s personal needs.