Nappy Changing & Toilet Training

NAPPY CHANGING AND TOILET TRAINING

We aim to treat all children as individuals and consequently our nappy changing procedure differs for each child.  They will be checked during each session and we also use the same methods as you would at home (eyes and nose!).  During a 2½ or 3 hour session some children will need changing but some will not.  As children get older and start working towards toilet training they begin holding on for longer. Our procedure for changing nappies is as follows:

1. Nappy changing to be undertaken only by permanent staff members who hold a current Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure and have completed their induction. Except in the event of a student learning this procedure, in which case they will be closely supervised by a permanent qualified member of staff.

2. Nappy changing will take place in one of the 3 toilet cubicles to allow privacy for the child (if the child is comfortable with that) on a clean changing mat.

3. Disposable gloves and aprons are worn by staff during changes. They are made  aware of good hygiene practices and should thoroughly wash their hands after each nappy change.

4. Staff to clean children with either wipes available in the children's toilet area or those supplied by parents.

5. Key persons and staff are made aware of any allergies a child has relevant to their nappy and toileting needs when they start e.g. allergies to creams, soaps or gloves. Notice of these allergies is displayed in the bathroom. Allergies are reviewed and staff updated at staff meetings. 

6. Soiled nappies to be placed inside one plastic bag, tied and then disposed of.  Wet nappies are placed in the bin in the adult toilet – they should be rolled up using the nappy sticky fastenings but not put in a nappy bag.  The bin will be emptied daily and put in the outside bin behind the building. Soiled nappies are taken straight outside to the bin.

7. Creams are only applied with written permission from a child’s parents.

8. Should a child become too distressed by the experience, staff will contact parents for advice and if necessary and if possible invite the  parent  to return to change their child.

9. Should any staff notice any unexplained injuries or marks on a child, they are to notify the Pre-school Manager / Designated Safeguarding Lead.  

10. Following changing, the mat will be cleaned using anti-bacterial spray and wiped with a blue paper roll. After use, potties are emptied down the toilet and cleaned using anti bac spray and blue roll.

All children who wear nappies will be checked during the session and this will be recorded even if their nappy is not changed.  Children who are with us all day will have their nappy changed just after lunch if it has not been done during the morning.

When your child shows the physical, behavioural and cognitive signs of being ready for toilet training we will support you and your child to achieve this.  We would look  to establish a toilet training programme that complements what happens within your home environment to ensure that we are as consistent in our approach as possible.  For example, if parents use a reward chart then we will look to use something similar, so that we are all giving the same message. 

Children will never be chastised or humiliated for having a toileting accident. If your child is still regularly having accidents we will talk to you about it and we may agree to put toilet training on hold and start again when they are ready. Any success will be given abundant praise, as we believe this enables children to gain confidence in toilet training.  We do not mind if a child learns on a potty or the toilet and we will have both available.  However, during the term before your child starts primary school we will try to ensure that all children are using the toilet rather than the potty. 

Children will be taught about ‘germs’ in an age appropriate manner and encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet. This will encourage them to adopt good personal hygiene routines. Children’s privacy will be respected, but a member of staff will still be ‘on hand’ to help if required. 

Last reviewed: August 2024