Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy - High March School

APPENDIX 4INTIMATE CAREStaff who work within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) realise that theissue of intimate care is a sensitive one and will require staff to be respectful ofchildren's needs.Intimate care can be defined as care tasks of an intimate nature, associated withbodily functions, body products and personal hygiene which demand direct orindirect contact with or exposure of the genitals. Examples include care associatedwith continence as well as more ordinary tasks such as help with washing or bathing.When a child requires intimate care the assisting member of staff must informanother staff member of their intention to help the child.Children's dignity will be preserved and a high level of privacy, choice and controlwill be provided to them. Staff who provide intimate care to children have a highawareness of child protection issues. Staff behaviour is open to scrutiny and staffat High March work in partnership with parents/carers to provide continuity of careto children wherever possible.Staff address the issue of personal safety with the children as part of the EYFScurriculum. This is at a level that is appropriate to their developmental level anddegree of understanding.High March is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate careof children will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times. HighMarch recognises that there is a need to treat all children with respect when intimatecare is given. No child should be attended to in a way that causes distress or pain.OUR APPROACH TO BEST PRACTICEAll children who require intimate care are treated respectfully at all times; the child'swelfare and dignity is of paramount importance.Staff are given guidance at Induction on how intimate care is to be provided at HighMarch. Health and Safety training in moving and handling is provided as the needarises. Apparatus will be provided to assist with children who need specialarrangements following assessment from physiotherapist/ occupational therapist asrequired.There is careful communication with each child who needs help with intimate careto discuss the child’s needs and preferences. The child is aware of each procedurethat is carried out and the reasons for it.As a basic principle children will be supported to achieve the highest level ofautonomy that is possible given their age and abilities. Staff will encourage eachchild to do as much for themselves as they can. This may mean, for example,giving the child responsibility for washing themselves. Individual intimate careplans may be drawn up for particular children as appropriate to suit thecircumstances of the child. These plans include a full risk assessment to addressissues such as moving and handling, personal safety of the child and the carer, andhealth.16