Dogs on Site Policy 

Date created - December 2021

Date reviewed - January 2024

Next review date - January 2026

Date approved -

This policy was approved by  

Overall aim of the policy 

Our aim is to deal with issues relating to dogs on our school grounds.

There are four key issues to be covered;

● Dogs being brought onto school grounds by parents/carers when dropping off or picking up pupils

● Dogs being brought into school as an educational activity for pupils

● Members of the public using the school grounds to walk their dogs

● Stray dogs on school ground

Dogs are only allowed on school premises for educational purposes or with pupils, staff or members of the public as a registered service dog. The Headteacher, along with the Governors, have considered this advice and have put this policy in place to support all members of the Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff community.

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

It is recognised that dogs are an important part of family life for many in our school community, and as such are often included in day-to-day activities such as walking children to and from school. However, others may find the presence of dogs in the playground and school grounds stressful or frightening, particularly with younger children, and even well-behaved dogs can behave unpredictably when placed in a busy, noisy and crowded environment.

Please be respectful if approached by a member of staff about having a dog on the grounds.The staff member is working under instruction from the Headteacher to apply the agreed policy.

For the safety of the dog, as well as for the benefit of others, please do not tie your pet to the gates or the fencing around the school premise and leave it unattended.

Dogs being brought in the school as an educational activity for pupils

Schools may wish from time to time to bring a dog into the school as part of an educational activity. This could include activities such as therapy dogs, Guide Dogs for the blind and Dogs Trust Workshops.

The following guidance should be adhered to:

• A risk assessment is completed prior to the visit using the following template Dogs on Site template RA
• The dog is from a recognised organisation that can show evidence of the dogs nature and temperament
• The organisation shows evidence of public liability insurance  
• Parents/carers have been informed of the proposed visit including details of how the visit will be carried out and the extent of pupil interaction with the dog
• Consent will be sought for the activity and suitable alternative arrangements made for pupils that may not wish to participate in the activity
• All necessary arrangements have been put in place prior to the visit, as agreed with the organisation bringing in the dog. This should take into consideration size, breed of dog, age group and numbers of children.  
• Consideration will be given to any allergic reactions to dogs that pupils or staff may have with actions in place to mitigate/ deal with if required
• Pupils have been informed of how to behave appropriately around dogs prior to the visit. This should be done in conjunction with the organisation bringing the dog and guidance taken from them.
• Good hygiene and hand washing procedures in place for pupils

Members of the public walking/exercising dogs on school grounds

School grounds are private property and should not be used for the purpose of exercising dogs. In the first instance, if safe to do so, the dog owner should be approached and asked to leave the grounds explaining that it is private property. If this continues or staff feel they are unable to approach the dog owner the school should contact the local council or the police.

Stray dogs on school grounds

If there is a lost or stray dog in the school grounds, the local council can be contacted on 01948 662931 for advice.

If staff are worried about the welfare of a dog. it should be reported directly to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. If staff are concerned about a dangerous dog this should be reported to Staffordshire Police on 101.

Children should be kept indoors until the dog has been safely removed.