Our Toileting Policy aims to support parents to understand their child's toileting needs.  This underpins the positive experience, confidence and trust that your family has with us.

The aim of the partnership is designed to promote hygiene, dignity, and developmental support for all children.  The Tots' Clubhouse Nursery School is committed to providing a safe, hygienic, respectful, and supportive environment for all children as they learn and develop independent toileting skills. This policy outlines our procedures for nappy changing, supporting children with toilet training, and assisting children who are independently toileting, ensuring their dignity, and well-being at all times.

Parents are responsible for providing an adequate supply of nappies, wipes, creams, and at least two changes of clothing for their child.

Aims and Objectives

• To ensure that all toileting and nappy changing procedures are conducted in a safe, hygienic, and respectful manner.
• To promote good personal hygiene practices amongst children and staff.
• To support children's individual developmental stages regarding toileting, including readiness for toilet training.
• To maintain children's dignity during all toileting activities.
• To foster a positive and encouraging attitude towards toileting and hygiene.
• To ensure effective communication with parents regarding their child's toileting needs and progress.
• To comply with all relevant legislation and guidance, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.

Staff will receive training on hygiene, infection control, and supporting children's personal care needs. They will be sensitive to individual children's cultural and personal preferences regarding toileting and privacy.   Any concerns regarding a child's toileting habits, health (e.g., persistent nappy rash, changes in stool), or potential child protection issues (e.g., discomfort, reluctance) will be immediately reported to the Nursery Manager/Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Parent Partnership

• Toilet training will be a collaborative effort between the nursery and parents.
• Staff will discuss readiness signs with parents (e.g., showing interest, staying dry for longer periods, communicating needs).
• Parents will be asked to inform the nursery when they begin toilet training at home, so we can support this consistency.
• We encourage parents to dress children in easily removable clothing during toilet training (e.g., elasticated waists).
• We encourage parents to send in multiple sets of clothings for changing into and a pack of nappy sacks for soiled clothes.

We do not have any age restrictions for children wearing nappies or pull-ups.  We work in partnership with each family to support the child's needs.  However, we do recommend that children should be able to go to the toilet independently by the end of the summer term before they go into Reception at school.  Any child who is not at this stage will receive additional support.

Nappy Changing  - Preparation

A designated, clean, and safe changing area will be used, away from food preparation areas.  The changing mat will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.

All necessary equipment will be gathered before bringing the child to the changing area:

• Fresh nappy.
• Wet wipes or cotton wool and warm water.
• Nappy cream (if provided by parents).
• Disposable nappy bags.
• Clean clothes (if needed).
• Disposable gloves and apron for staff.

Nappy Changing - Changing

• Staff will decide to change a nappy within the room on the designated changing table or on the changing table within the toilet.  The designated table within the room allows for staff to be observed/supervised by others.
• Staff will communicate with the child about their nappy needing to be changed.
• One member of staff will attend to one child at a time.
• The child will never be left unsupervised on the changing mat or station.
• Staff will wear disposable gloves and aprons for nappy changes.
• Staff will engage with the child throughout the process, explaining what is happening.
• Soiled nappies will be removed carefully, ensuring cleanliness. 
• The child's bottom will be thoroughly cleaned from front to back, using fresh wipes/cotton wool for each wipe.
•  If nappy cream is applied, staff will use a fresh glove or a spatula to avoid cross-contamination.
• A fresh nappy will be applied.
• The child will be dressed.

Nappy Changing - Disposal of Waste

• Used nappies and wipes will be immediately placed in a secure, lined, foot-pedal bin designed for nappy disposal. This bin will be emptied daily and cleaned regularly.
• Nappies are removed from the bin each day after the setting closes and are disposed of in a specialist outdoor waste bin for collection and disposal.  Nappies are NOT placed in regular waste bins.
• Disposable gloves and aprons will be removed and disposed of in the nappy waste bin.
• The changing mat will be cleaned and disinfected with an appropriate anti-bacterial solution.
• Staff will wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after each nappy change, following correct handwashing procedures.
• Children's hands will be cleaned if they have touched the soiled nappy area.

Nappy Change Records

A nappy change record will be maintained for each child, noting:

• Time of change.
• Type of nappy (wet/soiled/both).
• Any observations (e.g., nappy rash, unusual stool).
• Staff member who carried out the change.
• This information will be communicated to parents at the end of the day or as and when required.

Approach to Toilet Training

• Staff will use praise and encouragement to celebrate success and effort, avoiding any pressure or shaming.
• Sticker and reward charts will only be used at the request of the parent.  
• Children will be encouraged to try the toilet at regular intervals (e.g., before and after sleep, before outdoor play, after meals) without being forced.
• Children will be given the option of using an adult sized toilet with toilet aid or a potty.
• Children will be taught how to wipe themselves (front to back) and will be assisted by staff as needed.
• Children will be taught and encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after every toilet visit, with staff supervision and assistance.
• Wetting and soiling will be handled calmly and positively. The child will be discreetly changed into fresh, clean clothes.
• No negative comments or punishments will be made.
   

Soiling and Wetting of Clothes

When soiling and wetting occurs, staff will ensure the child is cleaned and changed promptly and discreetly.

• Soiled clothing will be placed in a nappy sack, which should be provided by parents, for parents to take home for washing.
• The toilet area/floor will be immediately cleaned and disinfected.
• Staff will wear gloves and aprons when managing soiling and wetting.
• Staff will make a note of the event and any observations.
• Staff are advised to carry an additional change of clothes with them in case of a soiling and wetting event that requires them to change.

Accessibility and Safety

• Toilets and sinks will be easily accessible for children. Step stools will be provided if necessary.
• Staff will ensure the toileting area is kept clean and safe at all times.

Handwashing

• Staff will encourage children to use the toilet independently and support them in all aspects of personal hygiene (wiping, flushing, handwashing).
• All children will be reminded and encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet.
• Staff will model good handwashing practices.

Specific Toileting Needs

• For children with medical conditions, developmental delays, or disabilities that impact toileting, an individual care plan will be developed in consultation with parents and relevant medical professionals. This plan will outline specific procedures and support required.
• Staff will respect and maintain the dignity of all children, regardless of their toileting stage or needs.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Nursery Manager and staff team, or sooner if there are:

• Changes to legislation (e.g., EYFS).
• Updates to guidance on hygiene or health from relevant bodies.
• Significant incidents or concerns relating to toileting at the nursery.
• Feedback from parents or staff.

Dated: June 2025 Review date: December 2026