This course is designed to support school staff in delivering intimate care safely, respectfully and confidently to children and young people with complex needs. It recognises that intimate care in primary school settings is not simply a practical task, but a highly sensitive area of practice involving safeguarding, dignity, trust and professional accountability.
The course explores intimate care within the context of education, SEND provision and safeguarding responsibilities. Learners will develop a clear understanding of why some pupils require intimate care support and how complex physical, medical, developmental and sensory needs can affect a child’s experience of personal care in school.
A strong emphasis is placed on protecting dignity and emotional wellbeing while maintaining clear professional boundaries. Learners will explore consent and assent, communication methods, trauma informed practice, and the importance of child centred and family centred approaches. The course also addresses legal and ethical responsibilities, including safeguarding legislation, duty of care, record keeping and Ofsted expectations.
Throughout the course, practical examples, scenarios and case studies are used to help learners apply guidance to real school environments. The course supports schools to demonstrate inclusive practice, inspection readiness and strong safeguarding culture, while ensuring children are supported with compassion, consistency and respect.
This course is suitable for use as core safeguarding and SEND training within primary schools and supports both individual staff confidence and whole school compliance.
Who this course is for
This course is suitable for professionals working in primary school settings, including:
- Teaching assistants and support staff providing personal or intimate care
- Teachers and class staff working with pupils with complex needs
- SENCOs and inclusion leads
- Designated safeguarding leads and deputy safeguarding leads
- School leaders, governors and managers responsible for safeguarding and SEND
- Any school staff who may be involved in toileting, hygiene or continence support
It is particularly relevant for schools supporting pupils with physical disabilities, medical conditions, neurodivergence or developmental delays.
What you will learn
By completing this course, you will learn how to:
- Understand complex needs and how they affect daily living and personal care
- Deliver intimate care in a way that protects dignity, privacy and emotional wellbeing
- Apply safeguarding principles and professional boundaries during intimate care
- Understand consent, assent and non verbal communication in children
- Communicate effectively with children who use alternative communication methods
- Carry out holistic assessment and personalised intimate care planning
- Work in partnership with parents, carers and external professionals
- Follow legal, ethical and professional frameworks relevant to school based care
- Maintain accurate documentation, reporting and accountability
- Prepare for Ofsted expectations related to safeguarding and inclusion
- Support independence, empowerment and positive developmental outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will feel confident in providing intimate care that is safe, lawful and child centred, while contributing to a school culture that prioritises dignity, inclusion and safeguarding.
Course Disclaimer:
This course is designed for information and awareness purposes only and does not, unless otherwise stated, provide a regulated qualification or evidence of occupational competence. Learners are responsible for obtaining any additional training, assessment, supervision, or certification required by their employer, sector regulations, or professional standards.
