Intimate and Invasive Care Policy

Woodlands School Intimate and Invasive Care Policy

Date for review: Summer 16

This policy has been prepared for the support of all teaching and support staff who come into contact with pupils to explain the school's arrangements for intimate and invasive care. Its contents are available to staff, governors and parents.

The policy has been developed in line with Blackpool Council’s “Draft Policy For The Administration Of Medicines In Schools, Childrens Homes, Units And Other Settings” March 2007 The policy should be read in conjunction with other school policies: Introduction At Woodlands School, we recognise that the issue of intimate/invasive care is a difficult one and will require staff to be respectful of pupils’ needs.

Staff at Woodlands School are committed to ensuring that every child is safe and protected from any abuse in accordance with the national ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda (2004). We operate under the following principles: • • • •

the welfare of the child is paramount. all children without exception have the right to protection from abuse. all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. all members of staff are trained at an appropriate level in child protection procedures and have a responsibility to report concerns (Child Protection Policy).

Intimate care can be defined as care tasks of an intimate nature, associated with bodily functions, bodily products and personal hygiene, which can demand direct or indirect contact with or exposure of the genitals. Examples include care associated with continence and menstrual management, as well as more ordinary tasks such as help with washing or bathing.

Invasive care includes dealing with nasal-gastric tubes, Mickey button, feed pumps, and the administration of all medication including midazolan. Only trained staff, who hold a current competence certificate, are able to carry out these procedures, with the knowledge and agreement of parents/carers.

As far as possible, the pupil will be allowed to exercise choice, care for him/herself and be encouraged to have a positive image of his/her own body. Pupils’ dignity will be preserved and a high level of privacy and control given to them. Staff who provide intimate/invasive care to pupils have a high awareness of child protection issues. Staff behaviour is open to scrutiny and staff at Woodlands work in partnership with parents/carers and the medical staff to ensure there is a common understanding of the personal needs of pupils and to provide continuity of care wherever possible.

Woodlands School is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate/invasive care of pupils will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times and recognises that there is a need to treat pupils with respect when intimate/invasive care is given. No pupil should be attended to in a way that causes distress or pain.

Our aims •

All pupils who require intimate/invasive care will be treated respectfully at all times; the pupil’s welfare and dignity is of paramount importance.

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Staff who provide intimate/invasive care are trained to do so (it forms part of our induction programme for new staff, Child Protection, administration of medication such as midazolan and Health and Safety training in

moving and handling) and are fully aware of best practice. Equipment will be provided to assist pupils who need special arrangements following physiotherapy, occupational therapy and or medical assessments.

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Care will be taken to ensure that pupils are made aware of the procedures that are about to happen through the use of appropriate communication strategies.

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Staff will encourage each pupil to do as much for themselves as they can. For example, the pupil should take responsibility for washing themselves where possible.

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Each pupil’s right to privacy will be respected. Careful consideration will be given to each student to determine how many carers might need to be present when a student needs help with intimate/invasive care.

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Where possible, pupils should be given privacy during toileting and nappy changing. At no time should pupils of the opposite sex be in the same area nor changed in the same area at the same time.

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Wherever possible the same pupil will not be cared for by the same adult on a regular basis; there will be a rota of adults known to the pupil who will take turns in providing care. Students and visitors should never be involved with intimate/invasive care.

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A clear account of the pupil’s intimate/invasive care arrangements will be recorded on the pupil’s care plan formulated in consultation with the school nurse, class teacher, SSAs and parents. The needs and wishes of pupils and parents will be considered alongside any possible constraints e.g. staffing.

Procedures • • • • • • •

The privacy and dignity of ALL pupils must be respected at all times.

Only school personnel should toilet children, not parents in school visiting class Pupils who receive intimate care related to continence and or invasive care will have a clear account of procedures detailed in their intimate/invasive care plans. This will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Parents are responsible for providing appropriate protection for their child depending on their age and level of need and a change of clothing. A change of clothing can be borrowed from school if necessary and parents are informed.

Should intimate care be required when a pupil is off-site, staff must ensure a suitable area is selected to maximise pupil privacy.

If a member of staff has any concerns about physical changes in a pupil, e.g. marks, bruises, soreness etc, this should immediately be reported to the designated teacher, that is the Head teacher, or in their absence, the Deputy Headteacher, in line with Child Protection incident reporting.

If you are in any doubt about supporting a pupil to enable another professional to carry out their role, divulging information or discussing educational practice, please do not do so until you have spoken to a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Date of review:

Summer 2013

Ratified by Governors:

Summer 2012

To be reviewed:

Summer 2016