We recognise that caring for animals/pets not only provides children with the opportunity to learn how to be gentle and responsible for others but also supports their emotional well -being.

 

Setting pets*

We have a fish in the fish tank

 

Our safety procedures are:

• On admission, permission slips are obtained from parents to seek written permission for their child to be involved in caring for the animal in the setting
• A risk assessment is completed specifically for this purpose, including considerations for children with any allergies
• All pets are homed in an appropriate and secure area of the setting, with areas that are quiet and space away from the children, when needed
• Only staff have responsibility for cleaning out the animals (where applicable). Protective equipment, such as gloves and aprons, is used
• We ensure all pets have had all of their relevant vaccinations, are registered with the vet and are child-friendly
• Pets are not allowed near food, dishes, worktops, or food preparation areas. Children will wash their hands with soap and water after handling animals and will be encouraged not to place their hands in their mouths while pets are being handled. Staff explain the importance of this to the children
• Children are encouraged to leave their comforters and dummies away from the animals to ensure cross-contamination is limited.

 

Pets from home

• If a child brings a pet from home in a planned visit to the setting parents of all children who will be in attendance the same day as the pet, are informed. We obtain written permission from parents to ensure no child has an allergy or phobia. We complete a full risk assessment prior to the pet visiting and analyse any risks before this type of activity is authorised.
• Pets are not allowed near food, dishes, worktops, or food preparation areas. Children will wash their hands with soap and water after handling animals and will be encouraged not to place their hands in their mouths during the activity. The staff will explain the importance of this to the children
• Children will be encouraged to leave their comforters and dummies away from the animals to ensure cross-contamination is limited.

 

Visits to farms

• A specific risk assessment will be carried out

• A site visit is made by a senior member of staff before an outing to a farm can be arranged. We check that the farm is well-managed, that the grounds and public areas are as clean as possible and that suitable first aid arrangements are in place. Animals should be prohibited from any outdoor picnic areas
• We check that the farm has suitable washing facilities, appropriately signposted, with running water, soap and disposable towels or hot air hand dryers. Any portable water taps should be appropriately designed in a suitable area
• We ensure that there is an adequate ratio of adults:children, taking into account the age and stage of development of the children
• We explain to the children that they will not be allowed to eat or drink anything, including crisps and sweets, or place their hands in their mouths, while touring the farm because of the risk of infection and explain why
• We ensure suitable precautions are in place where appropriate e.g. in restricted areas such as near slurry pits or where animals are isolated.

 

During the visit

• If children are in contact with, or feeding animals, we will warn them not to place their faces against the animals or put their hands in their own mouths afterwards, and explain why
• Comforters (e.g. soft toys and blankets) and dummies will be left either at the setting, in the transport used or in a bag carried by a member of staff to ensure no cross -contamination
• We will ensure good handwashing occurs for all children, staff and volunteers after touching the animals and before eating/drinking. We will supervise younger children to do this effectively and we will always explain to the children why this is necessary
• Meals, or snacks will be taken well away from the areas where animals are kept and children will be encouraged not to eat anything which has fallen on the ground.
• If we are tasting any crops produced on the farm, they will be thoroughly washed in portable water before consumption
• We will ensure children do not consume unpasteurised produce, e.g. milk or cheese
• Manure or slurry presents a particular risk of infection and children will be warned against touching it. If they do touch it, we will ensure that they thoroughly wash and dry their hands immediately
• All children, staff and volunteers will wash their hands thoroughly before departure
• We will ensure footwear and clothing is as free from manure/slurry as possible before departure

 

 

This policy was adopted on	Signed on behalf of the nursery	Date for review
19/07/2023	I.Cernychiene	31/08/2028