Nappy Changing Policy at Mulberry Garden

Children need contact with familiar, consistent carers to ensure they can grow confidently and feel self-assured. Wherever possible, each child’s key person will change nappies according to the child’s individual needs and requirements. Mulberry Garden’s follows best practice identified by the Health Protection Agency (2011) in ‘Best practice advice for nurseries and childcare settings’. When developmentally appropriate, we work closely with parents/carers to sensitively support toilet training in a way that suits the individual needs of the child and ensures consistency between home and nursery.

Mulberry Garden has appropriate designated facilities for nappy changing which meet the following criteria:

●  Facilities are separate to food preparation, serving areas and children’s play areas.

●  Changing mats have a sealed plastic covering and are frequently checked for cracks or tears, and discarded if found. Disposable towels/roll are placed on top of the changing mat for added protection.

●  Clean nappies are stored in a clean dry place; soiled nappies are placed in a nappy sack before being placed in the bin. Bins are foot-pedal operated, regularly emptied and always at the end of the day and placed in an appropriate waste collection area.

●  We ask that where any non-prescribed creams are needed, e.g. Sudocrem, these are supplied by the

parent/carer and clearly labelled with the child’s name. Prior written permission is obtained from the parent. When applying creams for rashes, a gloved hand is used.

Staff changing nappies will:

●  Use a new disposable apron and pair of gloves for each nappy change and always wash hands before and after using gloves.

●  Clean disinfect and dry mats thoroughly after each nappy change. Disposable towels/rolls are discarded after each nappy change.

●  Ensure they have all the equipment they need before each nappy change.

●  Keep nappy bags, gloves and aprons out of reach of babies and children.

Reusable Nappies

In addition to the procedures above for children wearing disposable nappies, we will:

●  Ask the parents for a demonstration for fitting the nappy correctly.

●  Dispose of any soiling by flushing straight down the toilet.

●  Dispose of the nappy liner as per disposable nappies, first in a nappy bag then nappy bin.

●  Store the used nappies in a sealable wet bag, including a waterproof interior and sealed to prevent odour escaping, away from children.

●  Provide the parents with the wet bag at the end of the day to clean the used nappies.

We ensure the safety and welfare of the children whilst being changed and safeguard against any potential harm, as well as ensuring the staff member involved is fully supported and able to perform their duties safely and confidently. We support all parties through the following actions:

●  Promoting consistent and caring relationships using the key person system in the nursery and ensuring all parents understand how this works and who is caring for their child.

●  Using this one-to-one time as a key opportunity to talk to children and help them learn, e.g. through singing and saying rhymes.

●  Ensuring the nappy changing area is inviting and stimulating and change this area regularly to continually meet children’s interests.

●  Training staff in the appropriate methods for nappy changing.

●  Ensuring that no child is ever left unattended during the nappy changing time.

●  Ensuring staff do not change nappies whilst pregnant until a risk assessment has been discussed.

●  Allowing students to change nappies with the support and close supervision of a member of staff.

●  Conducting thorough inductions for new staff to ensure they are fully aware of Mulberry Garden procedures relating to nappy changing.

●  Ensuring hygiene procedures are followed appropriately.

●  Following up procedures through supervision meetings and appraisals to identify any areas for development or further training.

●  Working closely with parents for any intimate care routines which may require specialist training or support. If a child requires specific support, Mulberry Garden will arrange a meeting with the parent to enable staff to care for the child fully and meet their individual needs.

●  Ensuring staff know how to identify signs and symptoms of abuse and how to raise concerns as set out in the safeguarding children policy.

●  Balancing the right for privacy for the children with the need for safeguarding children and adults by making sure intimate care routines do not take place behind closed doors.

●  Not permitting cameras, tablets and mobile phones within toilet and intimate care areas.

●  Operating a whistleblowing policy to help staff raise concerns relating to their peers or managers, and helping staff develop confidence in raising concerns as they arise in order to safeguard children.

●  Conducting working practice observations of nursery operations, including intimate care routines, to ensure that procedures are working in practice and children are supported fully by staff.

●  Conducting regular risk assessments of nursery operations, including intimate care routines, and reviewing the safeguards in place.