Rationale:  To provide a safe environment for both children and staff and to ensure that the comfort and well being of the child/ren is always held paramount.

Aim:  To put in place procedures that will minimise any risk to staff and children and that staff will carry out regular hygienic nappy checks and changes in a sensitive manner.

Procedure: Upon enrolment staff will gain useful information about child’s toileting behaviour and try to follow closely to the child’s routine.  Toileting and nappy changing times will be approximately every 2-3hrs during the day or when the child is in need of this.  When a child is in toilet training this will occur more frequently according to the needs of the child.  Staff will record on toileting sheets as this information is for parents and caregivers and as a requirement by the Ministry of Education. No powder or medicine will be used unless previously agreed to by parents/caregivers.  If staff becomes worried about child’s health- such as loose bowel motions etc they will consult with manager/head teacher and parents/caregivers will be notified.

Parents and caregivers will provide nappies for their child.  In the event that the child has no nappies the centre will provide one and parents will need to replace this. Children are treated with dignity and respect during the nappy changing process as they are asked and guided to the nappy changing area. Staff make sure that their privacy is respected often talking, singing and providing them a toy to distract them from the process. If a child has a toileting accident they are not made to feel ashamed as they are given encouragement and reassurance from the staff member.

Method of  Staff

Nappy changing times are flexible but checks be done around 9:30am, 11:30am after child’s nap time around 1:30pm, 3:30pm. Children are never left unattended throughout entire procedure especially while on the changing table

When on toilet duty write up children’s name on the toileting sheet and go through the checklist in the order they arrive.  Fill in the sheet as required using the code system S- Soiled, W- Wet, D- Dry, Acc- Accident and also note if used medicine etc.

Always wear gloves when changing nappies and after changing the nappy wrap nappy in gloves or  bag and place into the rubbish bin. Use disinfectant and a clean blue cloth to wipe down the changing area then place the cloth into the soaking container.  Be sure to wash your hands.

Toileting

Assist the child as needed when he/she is going to the toilet or potty.

When the child has finished assist again and direct child to hand washing.

Empty potty contents down the toilet and flush.

Disinfect the toilet or potty and wash hands.

Fill in the checklist.

The toileting area will be cleaned each day and when needed.