Animal Health and Safety Policy

This policy is written in line with: The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework; Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; Public Health England guidance on infection control and zones; HSE guidance: Preventing or controlling ill health from animal contact at visitor attractions.

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we recognise the value animals and pets can bring to the emotional needs of children and adults. Caring for animals and pets gives children opportunities to develop empathy, compassion, responsibility, confidence and respect for living things. Animal experiences are carefully planned to enrich children's learning and development, support their emotional wellbeing and enhance their understanding of the natural world.

We recognise that preparation is key and have researched our choice(s) of animals, including gender, breed, numbers living together and suitability for our environment, taking relevant advice from Blue Cross and other recognised animal welfare organisations.

The welfare of both children and animals is paramount. All interactions between children and animals will be closely supervised to ensure they are safe, positive and developmentally appropriate.

Additional precautions will be taken for pregnant staff, children or visitors, or those with weakened immune systems. Individual risk assessments will be completed. We are committed to ensuring that all children can access animal-related experiences safely. Individual needs, allergies, medical conditions, disabilities, sensory needs, cultural benefits and phobias will be considered and appropriate adjustments made where required.

Our safety procedures are:
• A full documented risk assessment is completed, including considerations for children with any allergies, medical conditions, additional needs, fears or phobias, and is review regularly
• 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 which meet the welfare of the animal.
• Only designated staff members have responsibility for cleaning animal accommodation and handling waste. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and aprons, will be worn at all times.
• We ensure all pets receive appropriate veterinary care, vaccinations, health checks and are registered with a veterinary practice. Animals are carefully selected for their suitability within an early years environment.
• 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 taught how to interact with animals safely, respectfully and gently through discussion, modelling and supervised experiences.
• Children are encouraged to leave their comforters and dummies away from the animals to ensure cross-contamination is limited.
• Any illness or infection suspected to be linked to animal contact will be recorded, parents informed immediately and medical advice sought where necessary.
• Where required, incidents will be reported in line with RIDDOR and advice sought from the local Health Protection Team and other relevant agencies.
• Animal-related activities, risk assessments and procedures will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure continuous improvement and best practice.

Pets from home

If a child brings a pet from home to visit the nursery as a planned activity, parents of all children who will be in contact or in the same area as the pet are informed.

We obtain written parental consent where appropriate and ensure allergies, medical conditions, fears and phobias are fully considered before the visit takes place.

We complete a full, documented 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.

The welfare of the visiting animal will be considered at all times and visits will be appropriately managed to avoid causing distress.

Visits to farms

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 hand-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 number of adults to supervise the children, taking into account the needs 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.

Children are encouraged to identify potential hazards and learn how to keep themselves safe during educational visits.

Educational opportunities linked to the EYFS curriculum will be planned before, during and after the visit to maximise learning and development outcomes.

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.

We will encourage children to leave comforters (e.g. soft toys and blankets) and dummies either at nursery, in the transport used or in a bag carried by a member of staff to ensure cross-contamination is limited.

After contact with animals and particularly before eating and drinking, we will ensure all children, staff and volunteers wash and dry their hands thoroughly. If young children are in the group, hand washing will be supervised. We will always explain why the children need to do this.

Meals, breaks or snacks will be taken well away from the areas where animals are kept and children will be warned not to eat anything which has fallen on the ground. Any crops produced on the farm will be thoroughly washed in potable water before consumption.

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.

We will ensure all children, staff and volunteers wash their hands thoroughly before departure.

We will ensure footwear and clothing is as free as possible from faecal materials.

Following the visit, staff will evaluate the experience, review any incidents or concerns and update risk assessments where necessary to inform future practice.

In the event of a bite or scratch:
• The wound will be immediately washed with running water.
• First aid will be administered by a qualified first aider.
• Parents will be informed without delay.
• The incident will be recorded in the accident log.
• A review of the risk assessment will take place before further animal contact.
• The Nursery Manager will determine whether additional medical advice, reporting procedures or changes to practice are required.