[Jackie8304]

Abi is 4 and in mainstream nursery, at present she needs 2 use the disabled toilet and has 2 have 2 adults present (advised by a risk assessor), even though 1 adult would be sufficient in my mind.  I have broached the subject of when Abi starts school and gets older, will she always need 2 have 2 adults present?  I am concerned about her privacy and dignity when she gets older, something I feel they r not but more worried about covering their own backs (staff etc).  Also I think when Abi is a bit older she should have some say in this 2.  I think it should be considered from the childs point of view & the parents.  Hope this wont b 2 much of a struggle! 

[Claire]

I imagine she won't always need 2 adults present, but this depends on he difficulties. At the   holiday club I work at this is what happens if the child can use  a toilet.

An adult helps the child to sit down on the toilet and makes sure they are safe - in a special
seat if needed

They help the child pull down their pants if needed

then go out of the cubicle, closing the door or curtain to give the child privacy

when the child has finished the adult goes back in and if needed helps the child to clean themselves.

then pants up, withor without help

get off toilet with help

hands washed with or without help

The child may only need to be reminded what to do.

If the child needs to be changed on a table, it is quite usual to have 2 adults, to help with lifting, to make sure the child can't fall whilst fetching things and to make sure nothing bad happens.


I hope this is somewhat helpful

claire

[Jackie8304]

Thanks Claire,

that does make me feel better.  We are in the process of helping Abi 2 do as much for herself as possible, so she will b as independant as possible. 

U work in a holiday club, is that for families with special needs kids? 

[Claire]

Yes, it is. It is based in Micheal's school and is for children in the area with special needs and their siblings. I is every summer for 2 weeks.

[Nikki]

Hi Jackie
My daughter is also 4 and requires asistance with personal hygiene matters (she still wears a nappy).  Last year, her nursery teacher had trouble lifting her onto the changing table, so she was assessed by OT and fitted for a hoist.  As far as I am aware, there is only ever 1 adult present when she is being changed.  I can understand why you feel concerned about protecting your daughters dignity though.  I would like to think that the adults are present as discreetly as possible  as mentioned by Claire but it might by worth while checking this out.   You may also find that your local authority has set down guidelines or there are legal guidelines for this situation.  If you feel concerned about 2 adults, I would consider requesting in writing that you wish only 1.
Nikki

[Speeds]

I have been very lucky with Thomas over his needs in this respect but one issue that was raised at school was that if he had an accident, Thomas needed people to undress and redress him.  Usually with children of 4 + they are not dressed by or undressed by the adult.

All I did was to have a meeting with the SENCo and the 1-2-1 and Head and we drew up a toileting (in Thomas case toilet accident) checklist of what needed to be done and what I had agreed needed to be done.  Also, meeting the staff who are lilely to be responsible for your child is a good way to assure yourself that you are comfortable with them assisting in personal matters.

Hope this helps and I fully agree wtih you that your daughter needs to be in on these discussions on how to help her as soon as she is able to. 

[Jackie8304]

Luckily, the nursery staff are fantastic and very professional with Abi so that does help a bit.  We had a meeting there last week and they assured me evrything is done 2 make sure Abi is safe and private.  They don't allow any temporary staff 2 take Abi 2 the toilet.  I did voice my concerns about this but was told that this is the procedure that has been set out for them and they must follow, which I do appreciate, it's just as she gets older.  Will cross that bridge nearer the time I suppose 

Abi has been up 2 Yorkhill recently about her toileting, they think she may have a small bladder or perhaps the muscles r so strong they can't relax the way they should.  Waiting for an appoimtment 2 get her scanned 2 check kidneys 2.  The possibility of a catheter (dunno if I have spelled that correctly!), has been mentioned.  Does anyone else have 2 use a catheter with their child, if so could u let me no how u find that?  Me & Abi's dad (Ben) r not very keen on this at all 

[Speeds]

Hi Jackie

Hope all goes well and hopefully the Docs will be able to do something other than catheterise.  I do not have experience of a child with a catheter but as my hubby is spinally injured he is catheterised and has a suprapubic catheter. 

If I can help in any way with a chat about it either PM me or on here then please get in touch.  He has been catheterised since 1994 and although this is a totally difference reason/issue etc I am happy to discuss if it helps.

Best of luck with everything

[Speeds]

Just wondering how this is progressing Jackie - hope that you have managed to get sorted.