Policy: Dogs on Site

Policy details

• Date approved - 08/09/2024
• Next review date - 08/09/2026
• Policy Owner - Daniel Haste

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of all students, staff, and visitors at Co-op Academy Belle Vue by regulating the presence of dogs on the school premises.

Policy Statement

Co-op Academy Belle Vue recognizes that while dogs can provide comfort and support, their presence on school grounds must be managed to ensure safety, prevent disruption, and maintain a safe learning environment.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, students, parents, visitors, and any other individuals who may bring a dog onto the school site.

Guidelines

4.1 Dogs Allowed on Site

1. Assistance Dogs:

• Assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and therapy dogs, are permitted on school grounds. Owners must provide appropriate documentation and ensure that the dog is identifiable as an assistance dog.
• The dog must be under the control of the owner at all times and must wear a harness or jacket indicating its role.

2. Search Dogs:

• Search dogs, including those used by law enforcement or security personnel, are permitted on school grounds when required for safety or security purposes.
• The presence of search dogs must be coordinated with the Principal or designated senior staff member, and appropriate notifications will be provided to staff and students if necessary.

3. School-Sponsored Programs:

• Dogs involved in school-sponsored programs, such as therapy dog sessions, must be approved by the Principal and meet all health and safety requirements.

Dogs Not Allowed on Site

1. Non-Assistance Dogs:

• Non-assistance dogs are not allowed on the school premises, including car parks, playgrounds, and sports fields, unless prior permission has been granted by the Principal.
• Owners who bring non-assistance dogs onto the site without permission will be asked to remove them immediately.

2. Stray Dogs:

• Stray dogs found on the school premises will be reported immediately to the local animal control services. Staff and students should avoid interacting with stray dogs to prevent injury or the spread of disease.
• The school will take measures to ensure the safety of students and staff until the stray dog is removed from the premises.

Responsibilities

1. Owners:

• Owners of permitted dogs must ensure their dog is on a lead and under control at all times.
• Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of waste in designated bins.
• Dogs must not be left unattended on school premises at any time.

2. Staff:

• Staff are responsible for reporting any concerns or incidents involving dogs, including stray dogs, to the Principal or designated staff member immediately.

3. Parents/Carers:

• Parents/carers are expected to adhere to this policy when dropping off or picking up their children and should not bring dogs onto the site unless they are assistance dogs.

Health and Safety

1. Risk Assessment:

• A risk assessment will be conducted for any approved dogs on site, including assistance dogs, search dogs, and those involved in school programs, to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors.

2. Hygiene:

• The school will maintain high hygiene standards by ensuring that any areas where dogs have been present are cleaned appropriately.

Breaches of Policy

Any breaches of this policy will be taken seriously and may result in the individual being asked to remove their dog from the premises or, in the case of repeated breaches, further action as deemed necessary by the Principal.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by [name and/or role], and any necessary updates will be made to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Links with Other Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies:

• Health and Safety Policy
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Visitor Policy