HS101 Toileting Policy | Windsor Montessori

Toileting Policy

References:

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, 43; Licensing Criteria: HS124, PF117

Te Whariki:

Mana Atua/ Well-Being: Tamariki/children experience an environment where their health is promoted.

Statement of Intent:

Windsor Montessori supports tamariki and whānau to develop independence for toileting, as well as promoting the inclusion of all tamariki, including those with specific care needs, whilst being respectful and considerate of cultural and religious beliefs. While the majority of tamariki enrolling in preschool are toilet trained, a number of tamariki of preschool age are not developmentally ready. This policy aims to clearly demonstrate our practices for when tamariki may need toileting assistance or require clothing to be changed. Our commitment of care to all tamariki is our priority.

Aims:

To support tamariki and whānau to develop independence for toileting.
To ensure the rights of tamariki are maintained and their dignity is respected.
To maintain a high level of hygiene at the preschool.

Strategies/Guidelines:

Toileting:

Tamariki are encouraged to:

be independent and self-manage undressing/dressing and toileting when possible. They will be encouraged to change in the toilet area only.
wipe themselves and to flush the toilet after use.
wash hands properly after toileting.

Whānau are asked to:

teach their tamaiti how to: pull down/up their own pants; how to wipe their own bottom; how to flush the toilet etc.
ensure their tamaiti wears clothes/footwear that they are able to manipulate independently, i.e. easy buttons, zips, etc.
provide spare clothing each day along with providing a waterproof bag in the event that clothing needs to be changed. It is quite common for tamariki to have toileting accidents and they are often happier to change into familiar clothes that they identify as their own.
inform kaiako of any cultural sensitivities around the area of toileting and changing.

Kaiako will:

work closely with whānau when tamariki are toilet training and use a tailored approach for each tamaiti.
offer support to tamariki who are having difficulty using the toilet on their own, however independent use will always be encouraged.
use praise and recognition when tamariki are toilet-training to promote self-esteem and a sense of achievement.
respect and protect the privacy of tamariki at all times.
support tamariki who may have had a toileting accident.
ensure a supply of spare clothes are available for tamariki.
model correct hand hygiene techniques and encourage tamariki to wash their hands properly after using the toilet.
ensure a cleaning schedule is in place to maintain toilets being in a clean and hygienic condition at all times.
record any accidents and share with whānau in order to help with the toilet training process.

Procedures for Changing Clothes and Supporting Continence in Tamariki:

Respect the privacy, preserve the dignity and encourage the independence of tamariki.
Protect and safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of tamariki and kaiako and to protect from harm or allegation.
Carry out a continence care plan as agreed with tamariki who have had an assessment and in consultation with whānau.
Enable good pathways of communication with tamariki, parents/whānau/caregivers and the preschool.

Procedures for Changing Clothes and Supporting Incontinence in Tamariki:

Tamariki may be at different stages of their toilet training and they may occasionally wet and soil themselves, as such:

Tamariki are asked to get their spare clothes from their bag and go into the bathroom area to get changed, if they are able.
Tamariki are encouraged to do as much as they can by themselves, i.e. taking off their shoes, putting the wet or soiled clothes into the provided waterproof bag to take home, and putting on their clean clothes.
Kaiako will, in the first instance, assist by guiding tamariki verbally to meet their personal care needs.
Where tamariki are unable to carry out personal care needs themselves, kaiako will support tamariki in their toileting.
During the changing process kaiako assisting or supervising tamariki will ensure:

That their own hygiene needs are met,
That other kaiako are aware of the assistance being given,
That they remain visible or within hearing distance of other kaiako. This is for the protection and safety of all concerned,
That the assistance given is recorded and parents/whānau/caregivers are informed at collection time.

Wet or soiled clothing will be placed in the waterproof bag and sent home for washing. A new waterproof bag will be returned to the preschool bag of the tamaiti for future use.
Tamariki and kaiako are to wash their hands.

General:

If this situation leads to high stress for the tamaiti, the parents/whānau/caregivers will be contacted.
If a tamaiti is badly soiled, the attending kaiako will make a decision as to whether the tamaiti is cleaned using the shower area. If this occurs, the same toilet procedures will apply.
If a tamaiti has regular soiling issues during the session, Kaiako will maintain regular dialogue with the parents/whānau/caregivers to discuss and share what is happening at preschool and at home. Kaiako will continue supporting a tamaiti by reminding them to go to the toilet at regular intervals.

Health and Hygiene:

Kaiako will use strict, consistent hygiene routines to maintain a high standard of recommended health and hygiene procedures.

Windsor Montessori will be consistent in the following areas:

Washing hands before and after toileting experience.
Kaiako will wear protective gloves for each toilet accident.
Kaiako uses wipes to clean a tamaiti. Where possible kaiako will support tamariki to do this independently.
Wipes will be discarded immediately in the red bin outside.
Toilet seats will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Toilets will be checked regularly and flushed when necessary.
Soiled disposable nappies/pull ups will be placed in a plastic bag and placed in the outdoor rubbish bin.
Soiled clothing will be placed in the provided waterproof bag and sent home with the tamaiti.

If a tamaiti needs support that is additional or different to the practices and procedures outlined above, an individual continence care plan is needed in consultation with the tamaiti’s doctor. The head kaiako will be available for further information and support with this process.

Date:

Review Date:

Signed:

Consultation: