Intimate Care Policy

When providing intimate care, we will guarantee that the child’s safety, dignity and privacy are maintained at all times.

‘Intimate care’ covers any task that involves the washing, touching or carrying out a procedure to intimate personal areas and is associated with bodily functions and personal hygiene including: toileting, washing, dressing, and menstrual care.

Staff at Camp 4 Champs who provide intimate care will do so in a professional manner.

Staff are aware of safeguarding issues and will have relevant training (e.g Safeguard training) before providing intimate care.

No child should suffer distress or pain as a result of receiving intimate care.

Best practise

When intimate care is given, the member of staff will explain to the child each task that is carried out, and the reasons for it. Staff will encourage children to do as much for themselves as they can.

If a child requires intimate care on a regular basis, it is good practice for two members of staff to share the care between them. In this way the child is less likely to become overly dependent on a single member of staff, and to become distressed if their usual coach is occasionally unavailable.

However, parents’ views on the number of staff providing personal care to their child must also be taken into consideration – some children may simply be unable to cope with more than one carer.

We have policies in place that promote safer recruitment, as well as having sound staff supervision, safeguarding and intimate care procedures. Together, these ensure that, should a child need consistent care from one member of staff, the child’s safety and well-being will not be compromised.

Protecting children

Staff are familiar with guidance from the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Camp 4 Champs procedures reflect the guidance in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) and staff are familiar with the What To Do If You’re Worried A Child Is Being Abused document.

If a member of staff is concerned about any physical changes to a child such as marks, bruises, soreness etc, they will inform the manager or Camp 4 Champs designated Safeguarding Lead (Alison Read) or Safeguarding Officer (Helen Moreira) immediately.

The procedures set out in the Safeguarding policy will be implemented.

Should a child become unhappy about being cared for by a particular member of staff, the manager will investigate and record any findings. These will be discussed with the child’s parents or carers in order to resolve the issue. If necessary, the manager will seek advice from outside agencies.

If a child makes an allegation against a member of staff, the procedure set out in the Safeguarding policy will be followed.

Dealing with blood and bodily fluids

Blood, vomit, urine and faeces will be cleaned up immediately and disposed of safely by double bagging the waste and removing it from the premises.

When they are dealing with bodily fluids, staff will wear personal protective clothing (disposable plastic gloves and aprons) and will wash themselves thoroughly afterwards.

Children’s soiled clothing will be bagged to go home – staff will not rinse it. Children will be kept away from the affected area until the incident has been dealt with fully.

Staff at Camp 4 Champs will maintain high standards of personal hygiene and will take all practicable steps to prevent and control the spread of infection.

Monitoring

The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every 12 months, or in the following circumstances:

Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
As a result of any other significant change or event

Date: July 2021

Last Reviewed: October 2022

To Be Reviewed: September 2023