The aim of this chapter is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the skills required in providing care to the child with a gastrointestinal disorder. This chapter will focus primarily on the most frequently encountered procedures both in the hospital and in the community setting. In addition, the importance of family centred care and a multicultural approach to care will be discussed. Some of the skills outlined in this chapter may be classified as advanced skills, for example, caring for a child on parenteral nutrition, and therefore you should seek appropriate guidance/ supervision when undertaking these practices. Moreover, it is essential that the student follows appropriate care plans, works within his/her scope of professional practice, and adheres to local policy in relation to carrying out nursing care (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2007). This chapter will enable you to: ● Briefly describe the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system. ● Understand the procedures outlined in the chapter. ● Explain the rationale for the care you provide. ● Understand the importance of the holistic needs of the child when carrying out procedures. ● Understand the importance of family centred care and a multicultural approach to care. Knowledge of national and local policies and guidelines are recommended to enhance learning, e.g. National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Where reference is made to national guidelines, students are advised to refer to them for more detailed information. It is important that the student has a comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system to support understanding of many of the clinical skills described in this chapter. The following section will briefly outline the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract. Knowledge of the changes that occur in the gastrointestinal tract as the child grows and develops is paramount to providing appropriate care and these will be signposted as they relate to skills throughout this chapter. For more detailed information refer to an anatomy and physiology textbook.