Animal Health and Safety Policy

Animal Health and Safety Policy

At Rabbit Patch Day Nursery, we recognise the value animals and pets can bring to the emotional needs of children and adults. Caring for animals and pets also gives children the opportunity to learn how to be gentle and responsible to others and supports their learning and development.

Nursery pets*

At Rabbit Patch Day Nursery, we have Guinea pigs, rabbits, a cockerel, and hens.

Our safety procedures are:

• Permission slips are obtained from parents to seek written permission for their child to be involved in caring for the animal at nursery
• A full documented risk assessment is completed, 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 is used, such as gloves and aprons
• 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 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 permission from parents to ensure no child has an allergy or phobia. 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.