Guidelines for Staff who provide Intimate Care for Children and Young People with Disabilities

APPENDIX 6

Induction Programme

The following list suggests issues which should be included in an Induction Programme for staff and volunteers in a school for children with learning disabilities:

• School Ethos
• Health and Safety Policy
• Child Protection Guidelines
• Allegations Against Staff Policy and Procedures
• Special Needs of Children
• Appropriate Behaviour by Staff
• Appropriate Behaviour by Children
• Intimate Care Guidelines
• Transport Policy
• Restraint Policy
• Confidentiality

On the following page is an example of a letter of introduction written for new staff by the Headteacher of a school for children with learning disabilities.

Any School

Any Town

Welcome to our school. All our pupils have special needs and we appreciate extra assistance. However, learning and teaching is more effective if all adults working in the school adopt a consistent approach. You may find it helpful to remember the following points.

• Talk clearly to the children and keep your vocabulary simple. Although some children may have no speech they understand, it is important to speak to them. It is especially helpful to use their names to attract attention before you ask them to do something.
• The children are expected to do as much as possible for themselves, particularly dressing and undressing. Please encourage them in this.
• The senior pupils in the school may be aged 16 or 17 and although they have educational needs, we try to teach them to behave as young adults. This means we discourage hugging and kissing as an everyday greeting.
• It is best to avoid having favourite children - treat them equally.
• We want our pupils to be accepted by everyone. It is important to show the children that you expect sensible behaviour at all times and do not laugh if he/she behaves in a silly manner.
• If you are in any doubt, please ask the staff or myself.
• At all times try to keep the children as calm as possible.
• The pupils will copy your behaviour - please make sure it is exemplary.
• Please follow our School Health Policy - always put on rubber gloves if you are likely to be in contact with body fluids. Rubber gloves are available in every classroom. Our Health and Safety Representative is ..............................................
• Please make yourself familiar with the Child Protection Guidelines. A copy is in the staffroom. The member of staff responsible for implementation of the guidelines is ....................................................
• Please respect confidentiality - do not speak about any of the pupils or staff by name outside the school building.
• Our school has a No Smoking Policy.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Headteache