Safe and Suitable Environment – Hygiene
Toilets and Hand Basins
Under the EYFS, there must be an adequate number of toilets and hand basins for the children using the setting.
There should usually be separate toilet facilities for adults.
Nappy Changing and Intimate Care
For babies and toddlers, the setting must provide suitable, hygienic changing facilities.
When helping with toileting or changing, balance the child’s privacy with safeguarding and support needs, and follow your setting’s safeguarding and inclusion policies.
Keep clean bedding, towels, spare clothes and any other required items available.
What should you do in practice?
- Follow your setting’s hygiene and intimate-care procedures.
- Wear PPE if required by policy, for example, gloves and aprons.
- Clean the changing surface after every use.
- Use wipes and creams only as agreed with parents and carers.
- Dispose of nappies safely and hygienically, using the bins provided.
- Make sure spare clothes are on hand when a child’s clothing becomes soiled.
Cleanliness and Cross-Infection
Good hygiene is everyday practice. Keep to the regular cleaning schedule and teach and supervise hand washing. Your responsibility is to keep areas and equipment safe, clean and suitable for use.
The EYFS also requires that premises and equipment must be kept clean, and providers must meet health and safety, including hygiene, requirements.
Items that typically need regular cleaning and disinfection include:
- Toys, (especially baby toys that go in mouths
- Highchairs and straps
- Soft toys, dolls and dolls’ clothes
- Dressing-up clothes and hats
- Children’s tables and chairs, and work surfaces
- Feeding utensils, bottles, bowls and cutlery
- Children’s bedding
- Potties and toilet seats
You can find more details in the EYFS Guidance. Follow the link below.