Top Tips for Intimate Care for School and Academy Staff

• Read the plan before providing any care;
• Follow the agreed steps exactly, these reflect medical, safeguarding, and mobility needs;
• Check for updates regularly, if anything has changed or feels unsafe, tell the DSL, and if appropriate the SENDCo immediately;
• Never improvise or change a child’s care without agreement from senior staff.

• Close doors and curtains, ensure privacy whilst maintaining supervision;
• Speak respectfully, explain each step, and where possible involve the child in decisions;
• Offer them choices (e.g., ‘Would you like me to help you with your shoes or do you want to try first?’);
• Encourage independence where appropriate.

• Use simple, calm language;
• Tell them what is happening before you do anything;
• Check for understanding and consent e.g. asking ‘Is it okay if I help you now?’;
• Respect cultural, gender, or personal preferences. Tell a senior leader if a child requests a different gender adult.

• Never engage in unnecessary physical contact;
• Do not comment on a child’s body;
• Keep communication reassuring and child-centred;
• If you feel uncomfortable or something does not feel right, stop and speak to a senior leader or DSL.

• Take the time needed to work safely and calmly;
• Follow manual handling guidance-use hoists, slings, or equipment correctly;
• Ask and wait for help if the task requires two adults (as per the care plan);
• Do not attempt to lift or move a child on your own if it is unsafe.

• Ensure cleaning regimes are carried out regularly;
• Always wear gloves and aprons when required;
• Dispose of waste appropriately and clean equipment after use;
• Wash hands before and after any intimate care;
• Follow infection control protocols (e.g., changing mats, wipes, nappy bins).

Document the care immediately after delivering it. Include:

• Date and time;
• Who provided the care;
• What support was given;
• Any difficulty, injury, mark, or behavioural change if noticed;
• Any equipment used.

You must report immediately if:

• A child has unexpected marks, bruises, or injuries;
• The child’s behaviour changes (fear, flinching, withdrawal, sexualised behaviour);
• The child makes a disclosure;
• You observe something unsafe in the environment;
• You feel uncomfortable about anything that has happened. Never assume someone else will report it.

• Share concerns only with the appropriate staff (DSL, SENCO, line manager);
• Never discuss a child’s intimate care needs in front of others unless necessary;
• Do not store personal notes; everything must be recorded securely using the agreed school system.

• Check that the space is clean, prepared, and free of hazards;
• Ensure that equipment (hoists, beds, straps, slings) is safe to use;
• Make sure you can call for help if needed;
• Never lock doors.

• Know who your backup person is;
• Follow the care plan regarding whether one or two adults must attend;
• Ask for support if the child’s needs change or you feel unable to manage the situation safely.

• Complete all required training (manual handling, safeguarding, hygiene, SEND);
• Follow the school’s Intimate Care Policy and Code of Conduct;
• Raise any training gaps with your line manager immediately.

• Treat intimate care as a professional task, not a favour;
• Be calm, reassuring, patient, and respectful;
• Celebrate the child’s independence where possible;
• Remember the child may feel vulnerable, your demeanour matters.

• Use safe lifting techniques;
• Do not carry out procedures that put you at physical risk;
• Raise any concerns about staffing levels or workload pressures;
• Debrief with a senior leader if a situation was particularly stressful.