Toileting Policy & Procedure
Staff will ensure that the toileting and toilet training process is a positive experience for young children and promotes their self esteem. Staff will take full advantage of every opportunity for a focused, positive interaction with children during toileting and nappy change times, however brief these might be.
Staff will only commence toilet training after consultation with parent to ensure continuity between the service and home. Encourage families to provide children with clothes that assist them to toilet independently, for example, elastic-waisted pants that are easy to pull up and down. Parents are required to provide additional changes of clothing while their child is toilet training. For emergencies, we have spare clothes labeled ELC kept in the laundry.
Where possible, use the correct terms for going to the toilet. Ask families what words they use at home, as consistent language between home and care will help children to understand and learn more easily. Check the child’s individual documentation for information that parents have provided about the toileting strategies being used in the home environment.
Children will have access to the toilets at all times. Children will be encouraged to sit on the toilet for as long as they are willing. Should the child show signs of distress the process will stop. Should a child use a potty at home for toilet training, a potty will be provided at the centre.
Children will never be punished or made to feel embarrassed if they have an accident. Staff are to respond as quickly as possible when a child indicates a need to use the toilet. Don’t make children wait to use the toilet. Keep the process low key, with a minimum of fuss. Avoid calling unnecessary attention to it or putting pressure on the child to succeed. Don’t allow learning to use the toilet become an area for a power struggle between an adult and child.
Ask or remind children about using the toilet. Staff should be alert to signs that a child is uncomfortable, and for older children be especially sensitive to any signs or communications that they need to use the toilet.
Children will be encouraged to flush the toilet after each use. Staff will assist children to wash their hands after toileting. Staff will role model hand washing practices after toileting. Support children when they want to become more independent, by making tasks manageable and being present to provide help and encouragement as needed. Allow children to do things such as toileting, washing hands, flushing the toilet, keeping the bathroom environment clean independently, while at the same time keeping in mind the importance of hygiene and providing assistance when needed.
Handling of Body Fluids / Rinsing of Soiled Clothing
Procedure
• Staff will put gloves on.
• Children will be assisted to remove the soiled or wet clothing. Any poo that can be tipped off into the toilet will be removes. Soiled and wet clothing will be carefully placed into a plastic bag, avoiding contact with any objects.
• Staff will assist the child to clean themselves using either toilet paper or disposable wipes.
• Staff will remove gloves inside out and dispose of appropriately.
• Staff will then wash hands in accordance with the Centre hand washing procedure.
• Children will be assisted to wash their hands thoroughly.
• Staff will assist children to dress in their clean clothes
• Staff will put on gloves, take bag to laundry and tip contents into soaking bucket (filled by opening staff). Soiled items that are un-salvageable (eg- diahorrea) will be thrown in the bin in a tied plastic bag. Staff will return soaking bucket to cupboard and lock door
• Staff will wear gloves to clean any spills in the bathroom then wash their hands thoroughly.
• A note as to why the child is in their spare clothes is to go on their bag.
Soaking Bucket contents to be first load of each day, with one capful of nappy san added to the detergent. Clothes to be dried and returned to child’s spare clothes bag.