Co-op Academy Swinton

Dogs on Site
Policy

Version: March 2025         Review Date: March 2026

Contents

Aims        3

Legislation        3

Advice to those bringing dogs to the academy
at drop off and pick up times        3

Dogs being brought into the academy
as an educational activity        4

Stray dogs on academy grounds        4

Dogs brought into the academy for security/search reasons        5

Aims

This policy outlines the academy’s approach to managing the presence of dogs on its premises. There are four main areas addressed:

1. Dogs being brought onto academy grounds by parents/carers when dropping off or picking up students;
2. Dogs being brought into the academy as an interactive educational activity for students;
3. Members of the public using the academy grounds to walk their dogs; and
4. Stray dogs on academy grounds.

In line with guidance from local authorities, the Governors have agreed that dogs are only permitted on academy premises for educational purposes, or as registered service dogs accompanying students, staff, or visitors.

Legislation

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

Advice to those bringing dogs to the academy
at drop off and pick up times

While the academy recognises that dogs are an important part of family life, their presence on academy grounds may cause distress to others, especially younger children. Even well-behaved dogs can act unpredictably in busy or noisy environments.

We ask that parents/carers observe the following:

• Please do not bring dogs onto academy premises, including playgrounds.
  
• Do not tie dogs to academy gates or fences and leave them unattended, for their safety and the safety of others.
  
• If approached by a staff member regarding a dog, please respond respectfully — staff are following instructions from the Governing Body to enforce this policy.

Dogs being brought into the academy
as an educational activity

From time to time, dogs may be invited into the academy to support educational, therapeutic, or enrichment activities (e.g. therapy dogs, Guide Dogs UK, Dogs Trust workshops).

The following guidance should be adhered to:

• A risk assessment must be completed prior to the visit.
• The dog must belong to a recognised organisation, with evidence of suitable temperament.
• The organisation must provide public liability insurance.
• Parents/carers must be informed in advance, with written consent obtained for student participation.
• Alternative arrangements must be provided for students who do not wish to take part.
• Consideration must be given to the age group, number of students, size and breed of dog, and space used.
  Allergies must be checked in advance.
• Students should be briefed beforehand on how to behave appropriately around dogs, in collaboration with the visiting organisation.
  Good hygiene and handwashing procedures must be in place.

Members of the Public Walking Dogs on Academy Grounds

Academy grounds are private property and must not be used by members of the public for dog walking or exercising.

If a dog walker is seen on site:

• A staff member may politely inform them that the grounds are private property.
  
• If the individual refuses to leave or staff feel unsafe to approach them, the academy should contact the local Council Dog Warden or the police.

Stray dogs on academy grounds

If there is a stray dog in the academy grounds contact your local Council Dog Warden for advice and they will come and remove the dog from the academy grounds. Children should be kept indoors until the dog has been safely removed.

Dogs brought into the academy for security/search reasons

Any dog brought into the academy from an outside provider i.e. security team will be subject to its own risk assessment.