(Aligned with EYFS September 2025 Reforms)
Policy Statement
At Just Little Ones Childminding, we are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and hygienic environment that supports the privacy and dignity of all children during toileting and nappy changing. This policy outlines the measures we take to ensure these routines are carried out in a way that meets children’s physical and emotional needs, while also complying with safeguarding and hygiene requirements under the EYFS 2025 framework.
Creating a Respectful and Safe Environment
- All toileting and nappy changing will be conducted in a calm, respectful, and supportive manner.
- Staff will engage with children using positive language to encourage independence, build trust, and maintain comfort.
- Children’s personal needs and preferences will be acknowledged and respected throughout these routines.
Supervision and Safeguarding
- All toileting and nappy changing areas will be appropriately supervised while maintaining children’s privacy.
- Staff will follow strict safeguarding protocols, ensuring that children are never left unattended during these routines.
- All staff involved in personal care are suitably vetted and trained in safeguarding and hygiene practices.
Balancing Privacy with Safety
- Toileting and changing will take place in areas that:
- Offer privacy from other children and adults
- Allow visual or auditory supervision for safeguarding purposes
- Are secure, clean, and fit for purpose
- Curtains, partitions, or doors will be used where possible to promote privacy without compromising supervision.
Consent and Communication
- Children will be encouraged to express their preferences and given as much autonomy as is developmentally appropriate during nappy changing and toileting.
- Parents or legal guardians will be informed of the toileting routines and hygiene practices in place and are encouraged to share their child’s toileting habits and preferences.
- Changes in routines or any toileting concerns will be communicated with parents promptly.
Hygiene and Infection Control
- Hands will be washed and dried before and after each nappy change or toileting routine.
- Disposable gloves and aprons will be worn during all personal care tasks and disposed of safely.
- Changing mats and toilet areas will be cleaned and sanitised after every use.
- Soiled nappies will be disposed of hygienically and in accordance with waste regulations.
Encouraging Independence
- As children develop, they will be supported to:
- Understand their bodily functions
- Use the toilet independently
- Wash and dry their hands correctly
- Staff will use age-appropriate encouragement to foster confidence and independence in toileting routines.
Record Keeping
- A record of nappy changes and toileting will be kept for each child, noting:
- Time of change or visit
- Any issues or concerns (e.g. signs of infection, constipation, rash)
- Support provided and any parent communications
Staff Training
- All staff involved in personal care tasks will receive:
- Safeguarding training
- Hygiene and infection control training
- Training on promoting privacy, dignity, and emotional wellbeing
Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes
This policy supports the 2025 EYFS safeguarding reforms, which require early years settings to:
- Balance children’s need for privacy with safeguarding requirements
- Ensure that toileting and changing areas are safe, hygienic, and supervised
- Promote practices that respect children’s dignity while maintaining staff vigilance and transparency
- Train staff to deliver developmentally appropriate and sensitive personal care
Signed: Jemma Ferriday
Date: August 2025
Review Date: April 2027