ISB Personal Care Policy
Definition of Personal Care:
‘Care tasks of an intimate nature, associated with bodily functions, bodily products and personal hygiene, which demands direct or indirect contact with, or exposure of, the sexual parts of the body’
Personal care tasks specifically identified as relevant include:
dressing and undressing
helping someone use a toilet
changing diapers
cleaning / wiping / washing intimate parts of the body.
All students at ISB have the right to be safe and to be treated with dignity and respect. These guidelines are designed to safeguard children and ISB employees and associates and apply to every member of staff involved with the personal care of students.
Guidelines of Good Practice
Staff members need to be aware that some adults may use personal care as an opportunity to abuse children. It is important to bear in mind that some care tasks / treatments can be open to misinterpretation. Adhering to these guidelines of good practice should safeguard children and staff. The ISB Student Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct also apply.
All children will be supported to achieve the highest level of autonomy that is possible given their age and abilities. Staff will encourage each child to do as much for his/herself as possible while providing appropriate support.
Involve the child in their personal care. Where the child is of an appropriate age and level of understanding permission should be sought before starting a personal care procedure. Where the child is fully dependent talk with them about what is going to be done and give them choice where possible.
Treat every child with dignity and respect and ensure privacy appropriate to the child’s age and situation. Careful consideration will be given to each student’s situation to determine how many carers might need to be present when a child needs help with personal care. It is permissible for a staff member to assist a student 1:1.
A member of staff must inform another adult when they are going to assist a child with personal care.
If a child is distressed or protests, the personal care should stop and parents should be contacted.
Only carry out care activities you understand and feel competent and confident to carry out. If uncertain ask for advice or assistance from another trained member of staff.
Promote positive self-esteem and body image. Confident, self-assured children who feel their body belongs to them are less vulnerable to sexual abuse. The approach you take to personal care can convey lots of messages to a child about their body worth. Your attitude to a child’s intimate care is very important.
If you have any concerns you must report them. If you observe any unusual markings, discolourations or swelling including the genital area, report immediately to counselor/principal. If during the personal care student is hurt, misunderstands or misinterprets something, and/or appears sexually aroused the staff member will reassure the child, ensure their safety, stop the personal care and seek the assistance of the counselor/principal. Parents should be informed about any concerns about their child.
Staff will use disposable gloves and wash their hands with soap and warm water immediately after assisting a student with toileting.
Special Considerations for Students who Require Regular Assistance with Personal Care
Staff involved with the personal care of students with disabilities need to be sensitive to their individual needs.
Students who require regular assistance with personal care have written care plans* agreed by parents and relevant ISB staff including teachers, IAs, nurses, OT, SLP, etc.
A student with special needs can have multiple carers so a consistent approach to care is essential. Effective communication between home and school can facilitate a consistent approach.
Emergency Intimate Care
Such care might be necessary with;
A child who has wet or soiled themselves
A child who has been hurt and treatment requires removal of clothing
Ensure the child’s dignity at all times; they should be appropriately covered, door closed.
Reassure the child and tell them what you plan to do
Listen to the child’s wishes
If they are distressed or protest, stop the care immediately, seek assistance from another trained member of staff and contact parent.
Inform the parent about the care that was administered. Staff member will email/phone/ talk to the parent about the incident and the care that was administered.
* Items that may be included in a written care plan addressing intimate care needs:
Management/routines
Hygiene and help required for intimate care
Use and disposal of continence products
Arrangements for clean clothes and underwear
Arrangements for soiled clothes and underwear
Reward system
Possible difficulties that might arise, actions to be taken
Goals for increased independence with intimate care
Arrangements for field trips,etc.
Adapted from
http://www.sandylands.lancs.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Intimate-Care-Policy-Nov-2015.pdf
http://stteresastullyherron.com/cmsfiles/items/downloads/intimatecarepolicy2016completed.pdf
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/50238/Intimate-care-and-toileting-policy.pdf
http://www.medicalconditionsatschool.org.uk/documents/IHP-Bowel-Bladder-conditions.pdf
Sample Resource from YCIS (shared publicly)