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Policies and Procedures
1.0 Attendance Policy
Jones Tuition recognises the importance of having robust systems in place to ensure the safe arrival and collection of children on camp. Jones Tuition has a duty of care to all children that attend camp and is committed to ensuring there are effective methods of delivering information between camp staff and the authorised adult in order for each child to remain safe whilst in Jones Tuitions’ care. Jones Tuition will ensure that an accurate record is kept of all children on camp.
1.1 Procedure for drop off and collection
Jones Tuition believes that the best possible way of achieving this policy is to receive each child from an authorised adult and to release each child securely to an authorised adult at the end of the day in the following way:
Jones Tuition staff will receive information from the Camp Director detailing which children are expected to be on camp.
On arrival the authorised adult must write the time of arrival and sign in to confirm the child is now in Jones Tuition care.
Children must be collected by an adult who has been authorised on the registration form, photo ID will be required to confirm identity. The password system will be used if no photo ID is available (1.2 below)
Jones Tuition appreciate that many children make their own way to and from school and families may wish to continue this during the holidays. Whilst it is the preferred option that children are always accompanied by an authorised adult, Jones Tuition recognises that the parent(s)/guardian(s) would like to allow their children to make their own way to and.or from camp. If this is the preferred option for the parent(s)/guardian(s) then the unaccompanied child system (1.3 below) will need to be followed.
1.2 Password system
If the authorised adult who dropped the child off requires another authorised adult to collect the child they must inform the Camp Manager in advance and provide: the name, and a description of the person and a password that they will use to identify themselves and the child. Only then will the Camp Manager release the child to another authorised adult. If the Camp Manager has any concerns regarding the authorised adult collecting the child or if the collecting authorised adult does not have the correct password, the Camp Manager will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) for confirmation. For the welfare of the child, the child will not be released from camp until the parent(s)/guardian(s) on the registration form has been contacted.
In exceptional circumstances, if the parent(s)/guardian(s) require another authorised adult who is not listed on the registration form to collect their child, they must inform the Camp Manager in advance and follow the same system.
1.3 Unaccompanied child
Jones Tuition will respect this wish and allow children to arrive and/or leave unaccompanied. This is on condition that the parent(s)/guardian(s) have put their wishes in writing to Jones Tuition indicating a time to expect the child on camp and a time that Jones Tuition should release the child at the end of the day. This written consent can be sent to Head Office prior to the camp opening or be given to the Camp Manager by the authorised adult on the child’s first day as follows:
Any child with permission to arrive at camp unaccompanied must report to a Jones Tuition staff
member no later than ten minutes after the camp has started. Any child who is expected to arrive
unattended and has not arrived by this time will be considered to be lost or missing. The missing
child system (1.6 Pg.5) will be followed and the parent(s)/guardian(s) will immediately be contacted and informed. The minimum age for this is 10 years old at the time of attending.
Only when the child has reported to the Camp Manager and has been signed into their group will Jones Tuition duty of care begin.
Any child with permission to leave Jones Tuition unaccompanied will be signed out at the time stated by the parent(s)/guardian(s). At this point Jones Tuition duty of care will cease.
Jones Tuition takes no responsibility for the health and welfare of any unaccompanied child before they signed in to camp or after they have been signed out.
Jones Tuition will not accept children who arrive at camp unattended if it has not been pre-arranged. Any such child will be kept safe whilst the parent(s)/guardian(s) is contacted and asked to come and collect the child or sign them in. If no contact is made the police will be called.
1.4 Uncollected child
Jones Tuition has a legal obligation to ensure that every child is safely returned to an authorised adult. Jones Tuition will not release any child to an unauthorised adult, even if the collection is late, unless:
The authorised adult telephones to state that a different authorised adult will be collecting the child and photo ID will be asked for or the password system (1.2 pg. 3) is followed.
All children MUST be collected by 4pm (unless timings are otherwise specified at time of booking). If for any reason you are unable to collect by 4pm, we ask that you call the Camp Manager or Head Office as soon as possible. Two members of staff will wait with your child until they are collected. You will be charged a late pick-up fee of £20 for every 15 minutes after 4pm to cover the additional staffing cost. If we have no contact from a parent/guardian by 4.30pm, we will contact Social Services to advise them we have an uncollected child. We reserve the right to refuse future bookings from parents who continually pick up late.
In the event of a child still being present after 4.00pm, Jones Tuition staff will follow the procedure below:
1. If the child has not been collected by 4.00pm, and Jones Tuition has not been advised of a delay, the Camp Manager must notify Head Office.
2. Attempts will then be made by the Camp Manager and/or Head Office to contact the child’s
parent(s)/guardian(s) using the contact numbers provided on the registration form.
3. If the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot be reached, and the child has not been collected by 4.30pm, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (3.2 Pg.8) will be informed and seek appropriate advice.
4. Jones Tuition staff will follow the advice and instructions of Social Services if requested.
5. The Camp Manager and at least one other member of staff will stay with the child until they have
been collected by an authorised adult, who is authorised by the parent(s)/guardian(s) or Social
Services.
6. Jones Tuitions’ standard pick-up time is 3.00pm with an option to purchase extended care between 3:00pm-3:30pm available. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will be charged a late pick-up fee of £20 for every 15mins after 4pm the child remains in Jones Tuition care to cover staffing costs.
1.5 Absences
If a child is going to be absent from a scheduled day at Jones Tuition, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must notify the Camp Manager or Head Office to allow us to update our records.
If a child is absent without explanation, the Camp Manager or Head Office will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) to check where the child is.
Jones Tuition will try to discover the causes of prolonged and unexplained absences. Regular absences could indicate that a child or their family might need additional support.
If staff have any concerns about the welfare of the child the Camp Manager will raise the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (3.2 Pg.8).
1.6 Missing child
If a child appears to be missing, the following procedure should be followed:
1. The Camp Manager should be informed who will alert all other staff.
2. All children should be assembled as for a fire drill, to enable a roll call and head count to be completed.
3. A full register of the groups should be taken putting faces to names, to confirm the identity of the missing child.
4. Jones Tuition Head Office must be advised immediately a child is suspected of being missing, so that they can offer further support and guidance.
5. If the child is confirmed to be missing, the remaining children should be kept together, with the
minimum number of staff possible (commensurate with safety) to supervise, while all other staff
carry out a full search of the premises and grounds.
6. If after 10 minutes from the child first being realised as missing and they cannot be located, the Camp Manager will inform the Police and advise the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the situation. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (3.2 Pg.8) will be informed as part of point 4 above.
2.0 Visitor Policy
Policy
Jones Tuition is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the children in its care. When Jones Tuition has visitors and/or contractors on camp the below visitor procedure needs to be followed to ensure that the visitor and/or contractor will not have a detrimental effect on the children and that the person in question has a valid reason for attending the camp. The Visitor Procedure must be followed for both pre-arranged and unannounced visitors and/or contractors.
Visitor procedure
All visitors and/or contractors must report to the Camp Manager before entering camp. If the visitor cannot gain access to the sign in area, they must call the Camp Manager on the number provided on posters. If the visitor and/or contractor can gain access to camp, they must report directly to the Jones Tuition sign-in area.
Jones Tuition will liaise with the camp management team to establish if and where any of their appointed contractors or visitors may be and if this will impact of the safe running of the camp.
The Camp Manager should be aware that certain schools may have increased visitors during the summer, particularly on examination results day. As these visitors will have knowledge of the school they may not follow a set sign in procedure.
The visitor and/or contractor must produce valid ID which is to be checked by the Camp Manager.
If the Camp Manager requires further reassurance of the identity of the visitor and/or contractor, they will phone the employing organisation of the visitor (e.g. Ofsted/Local Authority), for further confirmation. If this is not possible, the Camp Manager will seek advice from Jones Tuitions Head Office.
If a visitor and/or contractor has no reason to be on the camp’s premises, staff will escort them from the premises.
If the visitor and/or contractor refuses to leave, staff will call the police. In such an event an Incident Record will be completed and the Camp Manager will be immediately notified.
Once/if approved the visitor and/or contractor must sign in the Visitor Log detailing the reason for their visit and the time they arrived.
Before entering the visitor and/or contractor will be issued a Visitor Badge.
All Jones Tuition visitors will be escorted around camp and will never be left alone or unsupervised with children.
Any contractor appointed by the school will be the responsibility of the school, but should sign in with the Camp Manger if working in an area used by Jones Tuition.
When a visitor and/or contractor leave, staff will record the time of departure on the Visitor Log.
All visitors and/or contractors must follow the visitor code of conduct as set out below.
Visitor code of conduct
Jones Tuition ask that visitors and contractors:
Show identification to staff and sign the Jones Tuition Visitor Log.
Treat children with respect. Once on camp the children’s needs and interests take priority.
Mobile phone or electronic devices to be kept out of sight and not to be used in front of children.
Respect children’s personal space and privacy.
Only use the designated staff toilets.
Report to the Camp Manager any concerns about staff conduct or children’s wellbeing.
Ask for permission before joining in with children’s play. Although some children love to involve an adult in their play it is not always appropriate for any number of reasons. Please ask a member of staff before you interact with children in their play.
Jones Tuition ask that visitors and contractors do not:
Use inappropriate language or display aggressive or threatening behaviour towards staff, children or other authorised adults either in person, on the phone or in writing.
Discuss sensitive issues within earshot of a child or other adults.
Take photos or videos unless approved as an official photographer arranged by Jones Tuition Head Office (as set out in the e-safety policy (4.0 Pg.16)).
Leave tools, bags or other equipment unattended or within reach of children.
Jones Tuition Visiting Staff
Any visitor from Jones Tuition Head Office attending camp should produce their Jones Tuition Head Office Photo ID card and sign in as a visitor.
With the Camp Manager’s permission, they will be free to walk around the camp and visit all of the activity areas.
Jones Tuition visiting staff will follow the set Policies and Procedures at all times.
Any member of Jones Tuition Head Office Staff that does not present their ID badge will be signed is as a normal visitor and accompanied on camp.
If the Camp Manager requires further reassurance of the identity of the visitor, they will seek advice from Jones Tuition Head Office.
4.0 E-Safety Policy
Policy
All Jones Tuition staff have a duty to ensure that children are protected from potential harm both within and beyond the camp environment. Every effort will be made to safeguard against all risks, however it is likely that Jones Tuition will never be able to completely eliminate them. Any incidents that do arise will be dealt with quickly and according to this policy to ensure that children and staff continue to be protected.
E-safety is a framework of policy, practice, education and technological support that ensures a safe e-learning environment in order to maximise the educational benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) whilst minimising the associated risks.
Aims
* To offer valuable guidance and resources to Jones Tuition staff to ensure that they can provide a safe and secure online environment for all children in their care.
* To raise awareness to staff and the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the potential risks associated with online technologies.
* To provide safeguards and rules for acceptable use to guide all users in their online experiences.
* To ensure staff and the parent(s)/guardian(s) are clear about procedures for misuse of any technologies both within and beyond the Early Year’s environment on camp.
Scope of policy
This policy applies to all staff, children, the parent(s)/guardian(s), visitors and contractors accessing the internet or using technological devices on camps. This includes the use of personal devices by all of the above mentioned groups, such as mobile phones or iPads/tablets which are brought onto a Jones Tuition camp. This policy is also applicable where staff or individuals have been provided with Jones Tuition issued devices for use off-site, such as a work laptop or mobile phone.
Definition
The definition and purpose of e-safety forms part of the “staying safe” element of the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda, and all out of school providers have a responsibility under the Children Act 2004 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, as well as owing a duty of care to children and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide a safe learning environment.
Safety awareness is vital so that children and staff are able to keep themselves and others safe and use the internet responsibly. As many children will have access to the internet at home and at schools, Jones Tuition need to ensure that the parent(s)/guardian(s) are fully aware of e-safety issues so that they can extend esafety strategies to the home environment.
Staff responsibilities procedure
All staff (including visitors) have a shared responsibility to ensure that children are unable to use the internet and related technologies as per the mobile phone policy (4.1 Pg.17). If any staff member suspects that a child is subject to abuse via an online platform, then this is categorised as a Child Protection concern and the safeguarding policy (3.0 Pg.8) must be followed.
E-mail use
* Staff must not engage in any personal communications with children who they have a professional responsibility for. This prohibits contact with former children outside of camp.
* All e-mails should be professional in tone and checked carefully before sending, just as an official letter would be.
Use of Social Networking sites (advertising or parental contact)
Due to the public nature of social networking and the inability to keep content truly private, great care must be taken in the management and use of such sites. Best practice guidance states that:
* Identifiable images of children should not be used on social networking sites.
* Privacy settings are set to maximum and checked regularly.
* For safeguarding purposes, photographs or videos of looked after children must not be shared on social networking sites without written consent of the parent/guardian.
Please refer to the social media policy (4.2 Pg.19) for further guidance.
Mobile or smart phones
Staff:
* As per the mobile phone policy (4.1 Pg.17), personal mobile phones are permitted on camp, but are to be used during break times only, within designated areas away from children.
* Personal mobile phones must never be used to contact children or their families, nor should they be used to take videos or photographs of children.
Photographs and video
Staff:
* Written consent must be obtained from the parent(s) or guardian(s) before photographs or videos of young people will be taken or used within the camp, including displays, learning journeys, Jones Tuition website and other marketing materials.
* Staff will ensure that children are at ease and comfortable with images and videos being taken.
* Staff must not use personal devices, such as cameras, video equipment or camera phones, to take photographs or videos of children.
Laptops and tablets
Staff and visitor use:
Personal use of laptops or computing facilities, whilst on site, is left to the discretion of Jones Tuition and may be permissible if kept to a minimum. They must be used away from children.
* Where staff have been issued with a device or have had approval to use their own device (e.g. laptop) for work purposes, personal use is not authorised by Jones Tuition. The laptop/devices should be used by the authorised person only, which in most cases is the Camp Manager.
* Staff are advised not to bring laptops or tablets to camp and must advise the Camp Manager if they do.
Children’s use:
* As per the mobile phone policy (4.1 Pg.17), children are not permitted to have any electronic devices on camp. Any such device will be confiscated and stored securely until the child is signed out by an authorised adult.
Data storage and security
* Sensitive data, photographs and videos of children which leave the premises will only be stored on devices authorised by Jones Tuition.
4.1 Mobile phone policy
For children
The widespread ownership of mobile phones among young people requires that Jones Tuition staff, children and their parent(s)/guardian(s) take steps to ensure that mobile phones are used responsibly at camp.
Mobile phones are considered banned items and as such can be searched for and confiscated.
Jones Tuition has established the following policy for mobile phones that provides staff, children and their parent(s)/guardian(s) guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile phones during camp hours.
Use of mobile phones presents a number of problems, including:
* Mobile phones can be valuable items and might render a child vulnerable to theft.
Mobile phones (and their cost and level of sophistication - or otherwise) can make children objects of envy or disparagement and could have implications with regard to discipline and potential bullying.
Even when apparently silent, the use of mobiles phones for texting purposes could be potentially undermining of group discipline and distract the enjoyment of others.
* The use of newer phones with integrated cameras could lead to child protection and data protection issues with regard to inappropriate capture, use or distribution of images.
Responsibility
* Mobile phones should not be brought to camp. Jones Tuition advises all parents/guardians to discourage children from bringing mobile phones to camps on the grounds that they are valuable and may be lost or stolen.
* Where a child is found, by a member of staff, to be in unauthorised possession of a mobile phone, the phone will be confiscated from the child and returned only to the authorised adult.
* The staff reserve the right to view the content of any child’s mobile phone at any time in respect to issues regarding the safeguarding of children (two members of staff will be present).
* This policy is linked to the behaviour policy (13.0 Pg. 42). Jones Tuition will treat breaches as they would treat any other breach of Jones Tuition rules and discipline accordingly.
* Children should protect their phone numbers by never giving their mobile phone number to anyone whilst at Jones Tuition. This helps protect the child’s number from unwanted messages and calls.
* Jones Tuition accepts no responsibility for replacing lost, stolen or damaged mobile phones whilst on camp.
Unacceptable use
* Children who bring a mobile phone to camp by mistake should never leave it in their coat/bag when they arrive. Mobile phones will be kept by the Camp Manager in a locked box.
* Mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, take photos or used for any other application during camp time.
* Using mobile phones to bully and threaten other children or staff is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In some cases it can constitute criminal behaviour and the behaviour policy (13.0 Pg.42) will be followed.
* Using mobile phones to photograph or film any child or member of staff is unacceptable.
For staff
Jones Tuition acknowledges that staff members will own a mobile phone device and that they will bring it with them to camp. Jones Tuition has established the following policy for mobile phones, providing staff with guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile phones during camp hours.
* The use of a mobile phone must not detract from the quality of supervision and care of children. Staff members are forbidden from using non-approved devices i.e. personal mobile phones whilst leading a session with group of children. This will be treated as a case of misconduct if the staff member is caught doing so.
Mobile phones are not banned from being brought to camp however they must be left in an allocated Jones Tuition staff area. Mobile phones are only to be used away and out of sight of children.
Jones Tuition staff will be supplied with radio sets to communicate with each other during camp time.
* Jones Tuition will only use a camera on camp if taking pictures for marketing reasons and this will be fully supervised by a member of the Head Office team. Jones Tuition will always ask permission from parent(s)/guardian(s) beforehand. If Jones Tuition employ an outside company, they will follow the accompanied at all times when on camp. If Jones Tuition run any competitions on camp, pictures can be taken but must not have any children in them and only the Camp Manager may do so.
Unacceptable use
Using mobile phones to bully and threaten other children or staff is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In some cases it can constitute criminal behaviour.
Cameras are not permitted on camp and staff should not use a mobile phone camera to take any pictures of children on camp. This will be treated as a case of misconduct if the staff member is caught doing so.
Accepted use
For the purpose of child welfare, every Camp Manager on camp is equipped with a mobile phone. The safety of children in the care of Jones Tuition is paramount and the purpose of this phone is strictly for use in the following areas and for the following reasons:
* To allow Head Office to make contact with a Camp Manager or vice versa in order to share any important information regarding the running of the camp during that particular day.
* To allow the parent(s)/guardian(s) to make direct contact with a Camp Manager regarding their child. This could be to arrange a different pick up time or inform the camp about a late pick up or alternatively if the Camp Manager needs to contact an authorised adult regarding a child.
Exception: The only exception is in a setting where the camp is spread across a very large area, and with permission from the Camp Manager, another staff member is asked to keep a Jones Tuition provided phone (without a camera) on them, so if an emergency situation occurs, contact can be made. In most instances radio communication devices are provided to account for this and if a situation arises the main priority is always the welfare of the children in their care.
All parent(s)/guardian(s) and child contact numbers are kept only by Head Office and the Camp Manager. Contacts are not stored on the mobile phone but are presented to the Camp Manager as a report which is kept with them at all times.
4.2 Social media policy
Policy
* This policy is intended to help staff make appropriate decisions about the use of social media such as but not limited to blogs, wikis, social networks, podcasts, forums, message boards and comments on web-articles.
* This policy outlines the standards Jones Tuition require staff to observe when using social media, the circumstances in which Jones Tuition will monitor use of social media and take action in respect of breaches to this policy.
* This policy does not form part of any contract of employment and it may be amended at any time.
Who is covered by the policy?
* This policy covers all individuals working at all levels including Directors, Senior Managers, staff, trainees, homeworkers, part-time and fixed-term, casual and agency staff (collectively referred to as staff in this policy).
The scope of the policy
* All staff are expected to comply with this policy at all times to protect the privacy, confidentiality, and interests of Jones Tuition, its staff, partners and customers.
* A breach of this policy may be dealt with under Jones Tuition’ disciplinary procedure and, in serious cases, may be treated as gross misconduct leading to summary dismissal.
Responsibility for implementation of the policy
* The Directors have overall responsibility for the effective operation of this policy.
* The Directors are responsible for monitoring and reviewing the operation of this policy and making recommendations for changes to minimise risks to operations.
* All staff are responsible for their own compliance with this policy and for ensuring that it is consistently applied. All staff should ensure that they take the time to read and understand it. Any breach of this policy should be reported to the relevant Line Manager.
* Questions regarding the content or application of this policy should be directed to the staff member’s Line Manager.
Representing Jones Tuition on social media
Some staff represent Jones Tuition by handling corporate social media accounts or speaking on our behalf. We expect them to act carefully and responsibly to protect Jones Tuition’ image and reputation. These staff should:
* Be respectful, polite and patient, when engaging in conversations on Jones Tuition’ behalf. They should be extra careful when making declarations or promises towards customers.
* Follow our privacy policy and data protection policy and observe laws on copyright, trademarks, plagiarism and fair use.
* Avoid deleting or ignoring comments for no reason. They should listen and respond appropriately. * Never post discriminatory, offensive or libellous content or comments.
* Correct or remove any misleading or false content as soon as they become aware of it.
Personal use of social media
The use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter is a part of daily life and they are frequently used as much by children attending camps as by adults. Staff should not conduct or portray themselves in social media in a manner that may:
* Bring Jones Tuition into disrepute.
* Lead to valid parental complaints.
* Be deemed as derogatory towards Jones Tuition or its customers.
* Be derogatory towards children and/or parent(s) and guardian(s).
* Bring into question their appropriateness to work with children and young people.
Any communication between children/parent(s)/guardian(s) and staff, by whatever method, should take place within clear and explicit professional boundaries. This includes the use of text messages, digital cameras, video, web-cams, websites and blogs. Staff should ensure that all communications are transparent and open to scrutiny. In summary this means that staff:
* Should not share any personal information online with a child in Jones Tuition care.
* Should not form on-line “friendships” or enter into communication with children in Jones Tuition care using social media.
* Should never use or access social networking profiles of children in Jones Tuition care.
* Should not give their personal contact details to children in Jones Tuition care, including mobile numbers.
* Should not use the internet or web-based communication channels to send personal messages to children in Jones Tuition care.
We advise our staff to:
* Ensure others know that posts on personal social media accounts do not represent Jones Tuition and that personal opinions and content are not endorsed by Jones Tuition.
* Not use any intellectual property such as logos on a personal account without permission.
* Not upload, post, forward or post a link to any abusive, obscene, discriminatory, harassing, derogatory or defamatory content.
* Never disclose commercially sensitive, anti-competitive, private or confidential information, or upload, post or forward any content belonging to a third party unless of third party’s consent.
* Do not discuss colleagues, competitors, customers or suppliers without their approval.
Monitoring the use of social media sites
* Staff should be aware that any use of social media sites (whether or not accessed for work purposes) may be monitored and, where breaches of this policy are found, action may be taken under Jones Tuition Disciplinary Procedure.
* Jones Tuition reserves the right to restrict or prevent access to certain social media sites if it considers personal use to be excessive. Monitoring is only carried out to the extent permitted or as required by law and as necessary and justifiable for business purposes.
Misuse of social media sites can, in certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offence or otherwise give rise to legal liability against the staff member and Jones Tuition.
In particular uploading, posting or forwarding a link to any of the following types of material on a social media site, whether in a professional or personal capacity, will amount to gross misconduct (this list is not exhaustive):
- Pornographic material (that is, writing, pictures, films and video clips of a sexually explicit or arousing nature):
- A false and defamatory statement about any person or organisation:
- Material which is offensive, obscene, criminal, discriminatory, derogatory or may cause embarrassment to Jones Tuition, host camps or staff:
- Confidential information about Jones Tuition or any members of staff or host camps (which you do not have express authority to disseminate):
- Any other statement which is likely to create any liability (whether criminal or civil, and whether for you or us): or
- Material in breach of copyright or other intellectual property rights, or which invades the privacy of any person.
* Any such action will be addressed under the Jones Tuition Disciplinary Procedure and is likely to result in summary dismissal.
* Where evidence of misuse is found, Jones Tuition may undertake a more detailed investigation in accordance with the Jones Tuition Disciplinary Procedure, involving the examination and disclosure of monitoring records to those nominated to undertake the investigation and any witnesses or managers involved in the investigation. If necessary, such information may be handed to the police in connection with a criminal investigation.
5.0 Intimate Care Policy
Definition
Intimate care is any care which involves washing, touching or carrying out an invasive procedure (such as cleaning up a child after they have soiled themselves) to intimate personal areas. In most cases such care will involve cleaning for hygiene purposes as part of a staff member’s duty of care.
Responsibility
The issue of intimate care is a sensitive one and will require staff to be respectful of the child’s needs. The child's dignity should always be preserved with a high level of privacy, choice and control. There shall be a high awareness of child protection issues. Staff behaviour must be open to scrutiny and staff must work in partnership with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide continuity of care to children/young people wherever possible.
Jones Tuition is committed to ensuring that all staff responsible for the intimate care of children will undertake their duties in a professional manner at all times. Jones Tuition recognises that there is a need to treat all children with respect when intimate care is given. No child should be attended to in a way that causes distress or pain.
5.1 Best practice
* The management of all children with intimate care needs will be carefully planned. The child who requires intimate care is treated with respect at all times: the child's welfare and dignity is of paramount importance.
* Staff who provide intimate care are trained to do so (including Child Protection and Health and Safety training in lifting and moving) and are fully aware of best practice.
* Staff will be supported to adapt their practice in relation to the needs of individual children taking into account developmental changes such as the onset of puberty and menstruation.
* The child will be supported to achieve the highest level of autonomy that is possible given their age and abilities. Staff will encourage each child to do as much for him/her as he/she can. This may mean, for example, giving the child responsibility for washing themselves.
* Each child's right to privacy will be respected. Careful consideration will be given to each child's situation to determine how many staff might need to be present when a child is toileted. Where possible one child will be catered for by one adult however will be supervised by a second member of staff. Each case of intimate care must be clearly documented.
* Wherever possible the same child will not be cared for by the same adult on a regular basis: this will ensure, as far as possible, that over-familiar relationships are discouraged from developing, whilst at the same time guarding against the care being carried out by a succession of completely different carers.
* Wherever possible staff should only care intimately for an individual of the same sex. However, in certain circumstances this principle may need to be waived where failure to provide appropriate care would result in negligence for example, female staff supporting boys on camp, if no male staff are available.
* Intimate care arrangements will be discussed with the parent(s)/guardian(s) on a regular basis and recorded on the child's care plan. The needs and wishes of children and the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be taken into account wherever possible within the constraints of staffing and equal opportunities legislation.
Health and safety of intimate care
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 dealing with body fluids, staff will wear personal protective clothing (disposable plastic gloves and aprons) and will wash themselves thoroughly afterwards. Soiled children’s 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 Jones Tuition will maintain high standards of personal hygiene, and will take all practicable steps to prevent and control the spread of infection.
First aid with intimate care
Staff who administer first aid should ensure wherever possible that another adult or other children are present. The child’s dignity must always be considered and where contact of a more intimate nature is required (e.g. assisting with toileting or the removal of wet/soiled clothing), another member of staff should be in the vicinity and should be made aware of the task being undertaken.
Regular requirements of first aid with an intimate nature should be planned for. Agreements between those with parental responsibility and the camp should be documented and easily understood on an Administration of Medicine Form. The necessity for such requirements should be reviewed regularly. The child’s views must also be actively sought and, in particular, any discomfort with the arrangements addressed.
5.2 Toilet training
Jones Tuition asks that children attending camp have been toilet-trained. If a child is still in nappies, he/she is unsuitable for camp activities, and Jones Tuition asks that the child is not booked onto camp.
Jones Tuition understand that accidents can happen, and suggest that younger children bring a change of clothes. If a child is to soil themselves whilst on camp then the intimate Care Policy (5.0 pg. 22) will be followed.
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