Safety

8.6 Animals in the setting

Policy statement

Children learn about the natural world, its animals and other living creatures, as part of the Learning and Development Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This may include contact with animals, or other living creatures, either in the setting or on visits. We aim to ensure that this is in accordance with sensible hygiene and safety controls.

Procedures

Animals in the setting as pets

• We take account of the views of parents and children when selecting an animal or creature to keep as a pet in the setting.


• We carry out a risk assessment with a knowledgeable person accounting for any hygiene or safety risks posed by the animal or creature.


• We provide suitable housing for the animal or creature and ensure this is cleaned out regularly and is kept safely.


• We ensure the correct food is offered at the right times.


• We make arrangements for weekend and holiday care for the animal or creature.


• We register with the local vet and take out appropriate pet care health insurance.


• We make sure all vaccinations and other regular health measures, such as de-worming are up-to-date and recorded.


• Children are taught correct handling and care of the animal or creature and are supervised.


• Children wash their hands after handling the animal or creature and do not have contact with animal soil or soiled bedding.


• Staff wear disposable gloves when cleaning housing or handling soiled bedding.


• If animals or creatures are brought in by visitors to show the children they are the responsibility of the owner.


• The owner carries out a risk assessment, detailing how the animal or creature is to be handled and how any safety or hygiene issues will be addressed.

Visits to farms

• Before a visit to a farm a risk assessment is carried out - this may take account of safety factors listed in the farm's own risk assessment which should be viewed.


• The outings procedure is followed.


• Children wash their hands after contact with animals.


• Outdoor footwear worn to visit farms are cleaned of mud and debris and should not be worn indoors.