Dogs On Site Policy

2023-24

This policy does not apply to assistance dogs 

Introduction

Co-op Academy Bebington recognises that in some controlled circumstances the presence of dogs on site can be beneficial to the well-being of students and staff, increasing their understanding of responsibility and developing empathy and nurturing skills. The development of these skills is a key part of the School’s personal, health and social education curriculum. They also provide benefits for students taking enjoyment from interaction with pets and other animals.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for staff, students, parents, visitors and contractors regarding dogs on the site for the following purposes:

• Accompanying parents/carers whilst dropping off and picking up their children;

• Staff, visitors and contractors;

However, dog owners must be aware that dogs are potentially dangerous and may also be a health hazard. They must also be mindful of the fact that some children and adults do not like dogs and may be afraid of, or allergic to them.

It is envisioned that on some occasions, dogs will be brought onto the premises. On these, as on any other occasions, as a school, the welfare of the students, staff and visitors is paramount. Dogs may be brought into School by outside agencies for example Guide Dogs for the Blind, Police and Pets as therapy.

Risk of Dogs on the Site

Co-op Academy Bebington recognises that there are risks in allowing dogs onto the site, including biting incidents, barking which may frighten Students and hazards to health such as Toxocariasis. Parents/carers and staff may understandably have concerns regarding dogs on the site.

It is the School’s aim to control risks by asking staff, parents, guardians, visitors and contractors to follow some simple rules, exercise common sense and encourage sensible behaviour of students around dogs.

Legislation

The School is required to comply with all legislation including, and not limited to, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This legislation establishes the standards that must be met to ensure the health and safety of all employees and others (students, parents, carers, contractors and visitors) who may be affected by any school activity and are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive.

Bringing Dogs on to the School Site

Anyone bringing a dog on site must ensure that they are on a lead, supervised at all times and controlled so that it does not jump up at people.

Any student interaction with the dog/s must be properly supervised by the owner. Students must never be left alone in charge of the dog, unless permission is given by parents or carer to do so and they are able to adequately control the dog.

Owners are responsible for their dogs at all times and must ensure that any fouling is cleared up immediately and effectively.

Dogs must be kept on leads and should not present a traffic hazard Dogs must be clean and have up to date vaccinations.

Dog owners who bring their dog/s on site must have valid third-party liability insurance and accept that they will be wholly liable for any accident for which the dog/s is/are responsible while on Co-op Academy Bebington. Co-op Academy Bebington staff are entitled to ask for evidence of such insurance policies at any time.

Thought should be given to the environment that the animal has been brought up in. Large numbers of children could cause a dog to become nervous, agitated. Dogs displaying any warning signs that they are becoming agitated must be immediately removed from the environment by the adult in charge of the dog.

Aggressive dogs, or those with a history of aggression, must not be brought on to the site. Dogs with young puppies (those under the age of eight weeks) should not be brought on to the School site as there is a risk of the mother becoming over protective, which may cause them to act out of character.

Contractors may not bring a dog on site unless specifically permitted to do so by the Headteacher.

If any staff member observes a rule being flouted, they are to remind dog owners of these rules at the first opportunity and/or report any concerns to relevant members of staff.

Co-op Academy reserves the right to request that a dog be removed from their premises immediately, should it be causing any kind of nuisance, without recourse to lengthy explanations. In these instances, owners must remove their dogs without delay.

Dogs on Site Policy – May 2022

Dogs belonging to Staff

Dogs owned by staff should not normally be present when teaching or undertaking other supervisory duties, the only exception is the Farm Dog.

As a school, we request that dogs are not brought onto site with the intention to be left during the school day in a car in order to best protect the welfare of the dog.

Members of the public walking/exercising dogs on school grounds

School grounds are private property and should not be used for the purpose of exercising dogs. In the first instance, if it is safe to do so, the dog owner should be approached and asked to leave the grounds explaining that it is private property. If this continues or staff feel they are unable to approach the dog owner the school should contact the local council dog warden (0151-556 1220) or the police.

Stray dogs on school grounds

If there is a stray dog in the school grounds contact your local council dog warden on (0151-556 1220) for advice and they will come and remove the dog from the school grounds. Students should be kept indoors until the dog has been safely removed

Educational On/Off-Site Visits

A risk assessment will be undertaken prior to any dog being brought into the classroom.

Students will not have unsupervised access to any dog and will be told how to behave around dogs and handle safely. Where the School has been informed that a Student has an allergy, they will be kept away from the dog as appropriate. Students will wash their hands thoroughly after handling the dog.

There are occasions when the presence of staff-owned dogs on educational off-site visits may enhance the experience for the students and staff alike. This is at the discretion of the visit leader and the member of staff responsible for approving that risk assessment. In these circumstances sensible provision must be made to transport the dog.