Intimate Care Policy

July 2026

LC Policy #25

Our Commitment

At Little Crumpets, every child deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. We understand that there may be occasions when a child requires support with their personal care and we are committed to ensuring this is always carried out with kindness, dignity, sensitivity and respect.

We recognise that intimate care is a highly personal matter. Our priority is to protect each child's privacy whilst promoting their independence wherever possible. Children will always be reassured, listened to and involved in decisions about their own care in an age and developmentally appropriate way.

Intimate care includes any support involving personal hygiene or intimate areas of the body, including toileting, changing clothing following accidents, washing, dressing and supporting children with menstrual care.

Our Approach

At Little Crumpets, intimate care is always provided by appropriately trained members of staff who understand both their safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of treating every child with compassion and respect.

Where possible, intimate care will be provided by a familiar member of staff with whom the child has built a trusting relationship. However, the child's wishes, wellbeing and individual circumstances will always be considered.

Staff will:
• Explain what they are doing in a calm and reassuring manner.
• Seek the child's agreement wherever appropriate.
• Encourage children to do as much for themselves as they are able.
• Protect the child's dignity and privacy at all times.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety and infection control procedures.
• Record significant intimate care incidents where appropriate.

No child should ever feel embarrassed, rushed or distressed whilst receiving intimate care.

Partnership with Parents and Carers

Where a child requires ongoing intimate care, we will work with parents/carers to develop an Individual Intimate Care Plan detailing the child's needs, preferences, communication methods, equipment required, level of support, staff responsible and strategies for promoting independence.

Supporting Children with SEND and Disabilities

At Little Crumpets we are proud to be an inclusive setting where every child is welcomed, respected and supported to flourish.

We work closely with parents, carers, our SENDCo, schools and other professionals to ensure every child's individual needs are understood and met safely.

Where required, an Individual Intimate Care Plan will complement the child's SEND Support Plan or EHCP. Staff receive any additional training necessary to safely meet individual needs.

We understand that many children with SEND may experience sensory sensitivities, communication differences or anxiety around personal care. Staff take time to understand each child's preferred communication methods and routines so care is delivered calmly and respectfully.

Our aim is always to preserve dignity, build confidence and encourage independence while ensuring children feel safe, respected and fully included.

Safeguarding Children with SEND

We recognise that children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may be at an increased risk of abuse or neglect and may face additional barriers when recognising, resisting or reporting harm. Some children may communicate in different ways, have limited verbal communication or rely on alternative methods of expressing their wishes and feelings.

At Little Crumpets, safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of intimate care. Our staff take time to understand each child's individual communication style, behaviour and personal care routines so that they can recognise any changes that may indicate a child is distressed, uncomfortable or in need of additional support.

We remain professionally curious and vigilant at all times. Any concerns, however small, will be recorded and reported immediately to our Designated Safeguarding Lead in accordance with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Staff receive regular safeguarding training and understand the links between SEND, vulnerability and intimate care.

By working closely with parents, carers, our SENDCo, schools and other professionals, we ensure that safeguarding, dignity, inclusion and wellbeing remain at the heart of every child's intimate care experience.

Toileting

Little Crumpets provides clean, safe and well-maintained toilet facilities, hygienic changing facilities where required, appropriate supervision whilst respecting privacy, and high standards of hygiene. We understand that occasional toileting accidents are a normal part of childhood and staff respond calmly, discreetly and without judgement.

Best Practice

Whenever intimate care is provided, staff will explain each stage to the child and encourage independence wherever possible. Where regular intimate care is required, more than one member of staff may become familiar with the child's care routine. Our safer recruitment procedures, supervision and safeguarding culture ensure intimate care is always delivered safely.

Protecting Children

All staff receive regular safeguarding training. Any concerns identified whilst providing intimate care will be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and managed in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Hygiene and Infection Control

Staff wear appropriate PPE, safely dispose of waste, clean and disinfect affected areas, wash hands thoroughly and place soiled clothing into a sealed bag to be sent home. Children are kept away from affected areas until cleaned.

Supporting Children Experiencing Puberty

We recognise that some children attending Little Crumpets may begin or be experiencing puberty whilst attending our wraparound provision.

Children will be offered privacy wherever possible and have discreet access to sanitary products, spare clothing and a private space should they need to change or manage their personal hygiene.

Staff respond quietly and compassionately, preserving dignity whilst encouraging independence. We work sensitively with parents, carers and schools where appropriate.

Our aim is for every child to feel safe, confident, respected and supported throughout this important stage of development.

Related Policies

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

• SEND Policy

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

• Behaviour Policy

• Health and Safety Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually and was written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2025) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026).