Policy Content

Our School aims to meet the needs of children by providing a clean, safe, and hygienic place for nappy changes and toileting. We believe that nappy changing and toileting rituals provided in a caring and responsive manner are valuable opportunities to promote children’s learning, meet individual needs, and to develop strong relationships with children.  
 

National Quality Standard (NQS)

QUALITY AREA 2: CHildren's Health and Safety

2.1	Health	Each child’s health and physical activity is supported and promoted.
2.1.1	Wellbeing and comfort	Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s needs for sleep, rest and relaxation.
2.1.2	Health practices and procedures	Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.
2.2	Safety	Each child is protected.
2.2.1	Supervision	At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.
2.2.2	Incident and emergency management	Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practised and implemented.
2.2.3	Child Protection	Management, educators and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities to identify and respond to every child at risk of abuse or neglect.

 

Purpose 

We aim to ensure that best practice guidelines for nappy changing and toileting are followed, and that children's bathrooms and nappy change areas are kept clean in order to eliminate or reduce the spread of infectious disease. Our School will also ensure that nappy changes and toileting routines are used as an opportunity for one-on-one interactions between the educator and child.  
 

Scope 

This policy applies to children, families, staff and visitors to the School. 
 

Implementation 

Nappy changes and toileting routines are incorporated into our routine, both at designated times and throughout the day to meet children’s individual needs. Educators will communicate with parents to develop continuity between our School and home in regard to their child’s nappy change and toileting practices. We will develop a toileting plan in consultation with parents to develop a consistent approach to toilet training. Educators must be responsive to special requirements related to culture, religion, or privacy.  
 
Toileting and nappy changing will be carried out at frequent intervals throughout the day. Children who are in nappies will have each nappy change recorded in the Nappy Change Register on the Early Works app by educators. Educators will monitor the progress of a child’s toilet training and provide information to parents about how many times the child actually sat on the toilet or managed to use the toilet in a day. 
 
Having their needs met quickly and in a caring, responsive way builds children’s sense of trust and security. It is also important to remember that the way that early childhood educators react to soiled or wet nappies, toileting needs, and toileting accidents gives children powerful messages about themselves and their bodies. 

Nappy-changing and toileting routines are an excellent opportunity for educators to: 

• conduct one-to-one interactions with babies, toddlers, and children, giving them undivided attention 
• build trusting and caring relationships with babies, toddlers, and children 
• interact with babies and toddlers using verbal and non-verbal communication and respond to children’s communication 
• participate in age-appropriate activities with children, such as singing, saying rhymes 
• build children’s understanding of what is happening by inviting them to the bathroom and supporting their ability to predict what will happen next in the routine 
• help children begin to develop and extend their self-help skills, which includes handwashing and dressing, and encouraging children to identify the feeling of accomplishment and pride that come with this. 

 
All educators will carry out nappy changing; however, at times if a student is required to carry out this as part of their practical requirements, they will be under the constant supervision of a qualified educator. Where possible, the infant/child’s primary educator will change nappies for consistency and to build trust. 
 
Should a parent be in the bathroom helping their child, a staff member must accompany any other children needing to use the bathroom at the same time or be able to observe the bathroom through a viewing window. 
 
Appropriate hygiene practices must be maintained, and procedures must be followed to minimise any risk of infection at all times. Educators will continuously role-model and promote healthy hygiene practices and hand washing procedures, encouraging and supporting the children to follow these practices. 
  
The Approved Provider will: 

• provide adequate and appropriate hygienic facilities for nappy changing 
• ensure nappy change facilities are designed and located in a way that prevents unsupervised access by children 
• ensure that the nappy change facilities are designed and maintained in a way that facilitates supervision of children at all times, having regard to the need to maintain the rights and dignity of the children using the facilities 
• provide adequate supplies for nappy changing and toileting at all times  
• ensure that adult and children’s hand washing facilities are located within the nappy change area 
• ensure handwashing posters are displayed in bathrooms and nappy change areas  
• ensure nappy bins have a ‘hands-free’ lid 
• ensure nappy bins are located out of children’s reach, preferably in a child-proof cupboard  
• ensure nappy change procedures remain compliant and current 
• ensure documentation to record information about nappy changing and toileting is consistent and monitored 
• ensure nappy change table/mats are hygienically cleaned and kept in excellent condition at all times to reduce the spread of infection- no holes, cracks, creases 
• provide information to families at time of enrolment about: 
  • use of disposable nappies 
  • procedures if their child develops or presents with nappy rash 
  • Administration of Medication authorisation for application of products to treat nappy rash including prescription treatments or over the counter creams 
  • requests to provide adequate supplies of clothes for children who are toilet training 
  • the importance of ongoing and open communication between educators and families about nappy changing and toilet training with their child 

The Nominated Supervisor will:

• implement policies, procedures, and training with educators to ensure nappy change procedures support children’s safety, protection, relationships, and learning 
• develop systems with educators to ensure that soiled clothing and soiled nappies are disposed of or stored in a location that children cannot access 
• ensure children’s nappies are changed at scheduled regular intervals at a minimum 
• ensure educators check nappies throughout the day to ensure children are not susceptible to nappy rash and discomfort. A system to record this routine will be maintained for reporting purposes  
• ensure nappy change and hand washing procedures are displayed visually and in community languages as appropriate in children’s bathrooms and the nappy change area 
• ensure nappy bins are emptied once during the day and at the end of each day, or more regularly as required 
• request families to provide additional change of clothes for children who are toilet training 

Educators will:

• discuss children’s individual needs with families to ensure practices are reflective of their home environment and are culturally sensitive 
• provide information to families regarding children’s nappy changes and toileting progress 
• utilise nappy change times to interact with children, toddlers, and babies on an individual basis. The nappy change time will allow educators to converse, sing, play, and generally interact with the child. This time is a particularly good time for supporting language skills  and supports the RIE approach
• organise the nappy change area to promote positive interactions and promote positive learning experiences. For example, place pictures or mobiles to stimulate children’s interactions and to encourage learning and language development. 
• ensure physical contact and direct supervision with babies and toddlers throughout the nappy change experience 
• ensure no child is left alone on a nappy change mat or bench 
• keep nappy change areas fully stocked with all required materials at all times 
• ensure that nappy change and toileting supplies are readily accessible to staff to ensure efficiency and the health and safety of each child 
• encourage mobile children to walk to the nappy change area 
• assist the mobile baby or toddler to walk up the steps onto the nappy change bench to minimise lifting by educators and to promote children’s agency. Where a child is not walking, educators will follow manual handling practices to lift and carry the baby to the nappy change mat 
• always follow School’s documentation requirements for nappy changing and toileting and communicating with families. (see Nappy changing procedure below) 
• only apply nappy cream to a child if authorisation is provided in an Administration of Medication form (or on enrollment form)

Toilet Training

Toileting occurs at any time of the day and is specific to individual needs. Educators will communicate with parents/guardians to develop consistency between home and school with regard to their child’s toileting habits. Educators must be aware of and take into account any special needs related to culture, religion, or the need for privacy. 
 
Decisions about when to begin toilet training will be made by families or may occur through shared decision making between families and early childhood professionals. This decision is based on mutual respect and open communication, which is crucial for a successful outcome. Families may have strong views and preferences about when and how their child learns to use the toilet, which may come from their cultural background or individual preferences that must be respected by educators and staff.   

The child's well-being is the most important thing, and the decision to start helping the child learn to use the toilet should be based on signs that the child is ready and a discussion with the family.  
 
Early signs of readiness may start to appear when children are around two years old, but generally appear closer to the child’s third birthday. However, generally, boys will show signs of readiness later than girls. These signs may include: 

• showing interest in the toilet, including having an interest in others using the toilet 
• indicating a need to go to the toilet either before, or while they are passing urine or faeces 
• staying dryer for longer periods of time 
• beginning to dislike wearing a nappy and perhaps trying to pull it off when it’s wet or soiled 
• indicating a desire to sit on the toilet 

It is important to keep the process subdued and not place unnecessary attention and pressure on the child to perform. Acknowledging children’s successes, no matter how infrequent or small is vital for their self-esteem and confidence. Families and educators can expect accidents, which should be treated respectfully, without fuss, and in a supportive manner.  
 
Educators and families will communicate with each other regarding how the toileting learning is progressing, both in care and at home. This will help children become more familiar and comfortable with the toilet training process. Children will be given the opportunity to complete the toileting procedure, such as toileting, flushing the toilet, and washing and drying their hands, but will always be supervised and assisted if required. 
 
During this milestone, children should be empowered and encouraged to be successful.  Toilet training varies for individual children. As educators, we can take advantage of the child being in a group and the many opportunities that provides for learning from each other. Educators and families need to remember that comparing children is inappropriate as there will always be individual differences and variables.  

Educators will:

• request parents to supply a clean change of clothing for children who are toilet training 
• assist the child to use the toilet 
• assist the child to get dressed (and if required, change into dry clothes) 
• encourage children, especially girls, to wipe front to back to reduce introducing bowel bacteria to the urinary tract 
• encourage children to flush the toilet 
• encourage and assist children to wash and dry their hands thoroughly as per Handwashing Policy 
• If the child has soiled or wet their clothes: 
• place soiled clothes in our Akidamy reusable wet bags or alternative and keep these in a designated area for parents to take home- rinse any wet and/or soiled clothes 
• wash their own hands after helping children use the toilet 
• wear disposable gloves, paper towel, disposable cloths, detergent and bleach if necessary when dealing with spills- such as urine, faeces or vomit 

Toileting Procedure

It is essential to maintain safe and hygienic practices in early childhood to support children’s health and wellbeing. In order to ensure best practice and respect for children, educators are required to adhere to the following toileting procedure. Toileting should be a relaxed and positive time that is adapted to suit children’s individual needs.

This procedure ensures toileting routines are used as a positive opportunity for one-on-one interactions between the educator and child.

No.	Steps to be Followed
1	Discuss toileting requirements with families to ensure consistency of practice between home and school and ensure the child is being supported during this time.
2	Ensure cultural practices and beliefs are discussed and valued. Incorporate children’s home toileting language and/ or practices.
3	Encourage families to bring in spare clothes, including socks, underwear, bottoms and tops. It is important that families pack clothes that are practical for the child to manage when toileting.
4	Children are to be appropriately supervised in the bathroom.
5	Be respectful and sensitive to children’s dignity and rights to privacy.
6	Ensure risk assessments are undertaken to identify appropriate risks whilst maintaining a balance in providing children with privacy.
7	Encourage children to take their time during their toileting experience. Educators will avoid pressuring children.
8	Encourage children to frequently go to the toilet throughout the day to minimise accidents.
9	Respond to the children’s cues and allow them to be active participants in this process, ensuring correct toileting terms are used.
10	Support the child’s independence by helping when needed and prompting their independence and agency.
11	Encourage children to wipe independently. If children require assistance, educator must adhere to strict hygiene practices and wear gloves and wash their hands.
12	If required, assist the child to wipe themselves, encouraging girls to wipe from front to back and placing toilet paper into the toilet after use.
13	Encourage the child to flush the toilet.
14	Encourage and assist the child to pull up their underwear and bottoms.
15	Direct the child to wash their hands, discussing the importance of correct hand washing procedures (refer to hand washing procedure).
16	Encourage the child to dry their hands using paper towel/ dryer and dispose of in the correct bin.
17	Praise the child’s efforts when toilet training.
18	Wash and dry their hands following the correct hand washing procedure.
19	Record information for families, ensuring this remains confidential.
20	Discuss children’s toileting with families as required.

 Source

Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014).  
Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. National Quality Standard Information Sheet. (2018) Toileting and Nappy Changing Principles and Practices.  
Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics. (2016). 
Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2011).      
Family & Community Services. (2019). Babies and toddlers: Toilet training:  
facs.nsw.gov.au/families/parenting/caring-for... 
Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2017). 
Guide to the National Quality Framework. (2017). (amended 2020). 
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2013). Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th Ed.). Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. NSW Government.  
Raising Children Network (2018) Nappy rash raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/po... 
Revised National Quality Standard. (2018). 
The NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011  
 
 

Appendix 1 - Nappy Change Procedure

Preparation:

1. Before changing a child's nappy, make sure you have everything you need within reach e.g.: disposable gloves, nappies, wipes, paper towel  
2. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly with paper towel 
3. Place paper towel/sheet on nappy change mat 
4. Put on disposable gloves on both hands  

Changing:

1. Lie child down on the change table 
2. Always keep a hand on the child to prevent falling 
3. Remove child's nappy and any other clothing with urine/faeces. (The child may urinate, so have a spare cloth handy). 
4. Use the front of the nappy to wipe off any faeces 
5. Use the tabs of the nappy to fold the nappy together in order to stop leakage and put in a hands-free lidded bin 
6. Place any soiled clothes (including a cloth nappy) in a plastic bag 
7. Using wipes, clean the child's bottom and genital area 
8. Hold child's legs up with your fingers between the ankles and gently lift the child's bottom, wiping front to back 
9. Remove the paper towel/mat and put in a hands-free lidded bin 
10. Remove your gloves turning them inside out and dispose in the bin (Do not let your skin touch the outer contaminated gloves) 
11. If nappy cream is required due to nappy rash, place on a new glove (check Administration of Medication form for authorisation) 
12. Administer child's nappy cream using your gloved finger to apply generously 
13. Dispose of glove  
14. Open a clean nappy, with fastening tabs towards the top. Lift child's ankles and slip the nappy beneath their bottom 
15. Fold the front flap up, tuck it firmly around baby’s waist and secure each tab. Ensure not to make the nappy too tight. 
16. Dress the child  
17. Remove child from the change table 
18. Wash your hands and the child's hands 
19. Encourage the child to go and play with the other children  

Cleaning:

1. After each nappy change, clean the change table with detergent and warm water, rubbing with paper towel or a cloth, then rinse and dry 
2. Dispose of paper towel 
3. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water  
4. At the end of each day, thoroughly wash the nappy change mat and nappy change area with soap and water. Allow the change mat to dry, preferably in the sun.  
5. Disinfect area with bleach solution in the event of spills (urine/faeces/vomit). Additional hygiene measures must be implemented to reduce spread of diseases such as gastroenteritis