Top Tips for Intimate Care - SLT and Governance

• Ensure the school has a stand-alone Intimate Care Policy reviewed annually and approved by governors;
• The policy must align with KCSIE, Working Together to Safeguard Children, DfE SEND Code of Practice, and local safeguarding partnership procedures;
• Include definitions, roles, consent, supervision, recording, safe practice guidelines, and communication with parents;
• Policies must be easily accessible to staff, parents, and visitors.

• Every child requiring intimate care must have an Individual Intimate Care Plan (or part of their Individual Healthcare Plan);
• Plans should be created collaboratively with parents, SENCO, DSL, healthcare professionals (if relevant), and the child (where appropriate);
• Plans should state: What support is needed; Preferred language/approach; Equipment and adaptations; Staff involved; Specific medical needs; Manual handling requirements;
• Review plans at least termly or sooner if needs change.

Provide regular, high-quality training for staff delivering intimate care to include:

• Safeguarding and child protection;
• Manual handling;
• Usage of specialist equipment (e.g., hoists, slings, changing beds);
• Infection control & hygiene;
• Dignity, communication & consent;
• Keep a training matrix and ensure only staff who are trained and authorised undertake intimate care.

Ensure intimate care procedures reflect safeguarding expectations:

• Maintain professional boundaries;
• Always work in line with the Behaviour Policy, Code of Conduct, and Allegations Against Staff procedures;
• Consider two-person availability for certain intimate care situations, but avoid unnecessary invasion of privacy;
• DSL should be consulted if any aspect of care raises a concern. Governors should monitor that safeguarding and intimate care policies are aligned.

Provide appropriately equipped intimate care facilities that allow privacy but maintain safety:

• Doors that can be closed but not locked;
• Visibility panels/frosted glass as appropriate;
• Adequate space for mobility support;
• Cleaning schedules are clearly recorded;
• Ensure equipment is regularly checked, serviced, and safe for use.

• Children must be supported with dignity at all times;
• Encourage independence where safely possible;
• Seek the child’s views about their care and incorporate them into the care plan;
• Avoid assumptions, where possible ask and involve the child;
• Ensure staff are sensitive to gender, cultural, and religious considerations.

• Share the Intimate Care Policy with parents and involve them in care plan creation;
• Establish routines for informing parents about changes, accidents, or incidents;
• Record any disagreements or parental concerns and resolve collaboratively.

Senior leaders must ensure consistent documentation. All intimate care provided should be recorded:

• Date and time;
• Staff present;
• What intimate care was carried out;
• Equipment used;
• Any issues or concerns e.g. marks, bruises, unusual behaviour.
• Ensure immediate reporting to DSL for: Unusual behaviour;
• Marks; bruises; injuries;
• Safety issues with equipment or environment.

• Leaders must ensure sufficient, reliable staffing so that intimate care is not rushed, delayed, or completed unsafely;
• At least two staff should be trained and available for each child’s needs to avoid reliance on a single individual;
• Governors should monitor staffing levels as part of SEND and safeguarding oversight;

• Provide appropriate: PPE (gloves, aprons);
• Changing beds, hoists, slings;
• Accessible toilets;
• Disposal systems for waste;
• Emergency equipment (e.g., call bells);
• Conduct regular risk assessments for individual needs and for the intimate care environment.

• Ensure intimate care supports full access to the curriculum, trips, and extra-curricular activities;
• Staff must avoid language or approaches that stigmatise or infantilise;
• Reasonable adjustments must be in place in line with the Equality.

Governors and leaders should: Monitor records and incident forms; Audit training and equipment checks; Review care plans regularly; Gather pupil and parent feedback.

• Ensure staff feel confident to raise concerns or ask for help;
• Promote a culture where intimate care is understood as a professional, respected, and essential part of inclusion, not an afterthought;
• Governors should champion dignified care as part of the school’s ethos.