lntimate Care ond Toileting Policy
What is lntimate care?
lntimate care is the supervision and assistance of pupils in the area of routine toileting, menstruation and showering, as appropriate.
Children with Specific Toileting/lntimate Care Needs:
ln all situations where a pupil needs assistance with toileting/intimate care, a meeting will be convened, after enrolment and before the child starts school. Parents/Guardians, Principal Teacher, Class Teacher, Special Education Teacher and SNA may attend. The parent must put in writing to the Board of Management their request that staff members be authorised to assist with their child’s toileting and/or intimate care needs. The specific care needs of the child, and how the school will meet them, will be clarified. Personnel involved in this care will be identified. Any changes will be discussed with parent/guardian and pupil and noted in writing to the pupil’s file. Provision for occasions when staff are absent will be outlined (e.g. substitute SNAs will not generally be involved in intimate care). Any change of personnel will be discussed with the pupil, if appropriate.
Two members of staff must be present when dealing with toileting/intimate care needs. As far as possible, the pupil will be involved in identification of his/her personal requirements, wishes, changes, etc. if appropriate. A record will be kept and parent informed.
At all times the dignity and privacy of the pupil will be paramount in addressing intimate care needs. lf necessary and where possible, provision will be made for relevant staff to be trained in the use of equipment used to aid toileting/intimate care (e.g. hoist). Staff will wear protective gloves. Any suspicious marks, bruises etc. noticed during intimate care procedure will be reported to the teacher and recorded by the teacher. Staff involved sign school records.
Menstruation: Menstruation is covered in accordance with our S.P.H.E. and R.S.E. policies. Pupils and staff are made aware that a supply of sanitary towels are always available in Mrs Larkin & Ms O’Donnell’s rooms.
Toileting Accidents: At Junior Infant induction meetings, the school procedures will be outlined to parents. A supply of clean underwear, wipes, track-suit bottoms, etc., will be kept in the school. Parents will be contacted when a child has a toileting accident. The pupil will be offered fresh clothing to clean and change themselves. If the child is unable to clean or change themselves and parents can not come to the school, staff will clean/change the child, two members of staff familiar to the child will attend to him/her. Parents will be informed. At all times the dignity and privacy of the pupil will be paramount in addressing his/her needs.
This policy is made available to parents/guardians on our website.
This policy was approved by the Board of Management on 6th March 2018.
Fr Kevin Gillespie
Fr Kevin Gilllespie, Chairperson, Board of Management.
Roll no: 12077E
Illistrin,
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal.
Principal Teacher: Luke Kilcoyne
Deputy Principal: Doreen Kennedy
Phone/Fax: 074 9125775
Email: illistrinoffice@gmail.com
Website: www.illistrin.town.ie
