Animals in the School and Farm Visits

“The 5 to 14 Curriculum Framework” requires that we address the statement to “care for living things”.  However, animals, birds and fish may carry infections, which can be transmitted to humans.  Strict hygiene procedures are therefore required when handling and caring for these creatures to prevent illness.  Animals of any description should not be kept in the School on a full time basis.  There may be opportunities for animals and their owners to visit the School.

Points to consider in relation to animals in the School;

·       Parents must be informed before an animal visits the School to establish if a child has an allergy or phobia to a particular animal.

·       It is recommended that children should not be allowed to handle animals.

·       It might be advisable for the children to view the visiting animal from a safe distance, e.g. looking through a window to an animal outside.

·       Staff should be aware that all species of reptiles may carry salmonella organism, particular care with hygiene must be taken when introducing these animals into the School.

·       Children must wash their hands thoroughly with liquid soap in warm running water after coming in contact with any animals.

·       Farm visits create particular problems and the Highland Council advice on farm visits should be considered before a visit is contemplated.  In general at this time Farm visits should not take place unless very stringent controls exist.