Manilla Community PreSchool Inc ANIMALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT POLICY

manilla community pre-school inc animals in the environment policy quality area 2 – children’s health & safety link to national qua

Manilla Community Pre-School Inc
ANIMALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT POLICY
QUALITY AREA 2 – CHILDREN’S HEALTH & SAFETY
Link to National Quality Standards 2.1 Element 2.1.2
National Quality Standards 2.2 Elements 2.2.1 2.2.2
QUALITY AREA 3 – PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Link to National Quality Standard 3.2 Element 3.2.3
Statutory Legislation & Considerations
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety
Regulation 2011
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2018
AIM:
Educators are “encouraged to foster children’s capacity to understand
and respect the natural environment and the interdependence between
people, plants, animals and the land.” (NQS element 3.2)
Responsible ownership of pets, animals or birds that may reside at
Preschool or visit the premises is vital. Role models of appropriate
behaviors with animals and guidance in caring for the needs of animals
is beneficial for children. This policy also considers the management
of unwanted visitors such as pests and vermin.
GUIDELINES:
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We will provide a safe, clean and humane environment for all
animals and birds that visit or reside at the service
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Ensure pest control measures are regularly undertaken
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Ensure there are procedures in place for removing unwanted
animals, pests and vermin from the premises.
Centre Pets and Invited Visitors
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Educators will ensure that all pets and their enclosures are kept
clean and hygienic. Educators must ensure they have clean bedding
and water. Food is available for the pet, but kept out of reach of
children at all times.
*
Children must be supervised at all times when interacting with
pets or animals. Educators will manage any health or safety risk
for the children that may be caused by animals, such as asthma and
allergies.
*
Pets will not have access to children’s bedding, toys, and will
not be allowed near children during meal times.
*
Animals and birds visiting the education and care service as part
of the educational program are the responsibility of the owner(s).
The educators will ensure that the environment remains safe and
hygienic at all times during the visit.
Animals and Birds Other than Pets or Invited Visitors
• There are situations that may spontaneously occur, involving
animals. For example, there may be a situation where an animal or bird
has made its way into the education and care service. Educators may
use this as a spontaneous learning experience for the children. At all
times they will ensure the safety and well being of the children.
• If an animal or bird is potentially dangerous; such as a snake or
spider, educators will contact an appropriate authority for
assistance. In NSW this authority is the National Parks and Wildlife
Service - 1300 361 967 (8.30am – 5.00pm) or NSW Wildlife Information,
Rescue and Education Service Inc on 13 000 WIRES - 13 00 094 737.
• The animal’s movements should be monitored to ensure a speedy and
efficient capture by a professional, but priority is to be given to
educator, child and family safety. At no time is the potentially
dangerous animal, insect or bird to be approached or touched by
educators, children or families.
Pests and Vermin
• Pest control will occur at the education and care service on an
annual basis. Educators will monitor any occurrences in the service to
determine the success of control measures.
• If pests and vermin are seen, educators will advise the nominated
supervisor. The approved provider is responsible for arranging
additional pest control visits.
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Where appropriate, educators discuss with children safety issues
relating to dangerous products, plants, vermin and objects.
*
Educators will thoroughly clean all areas that animals or pests
have accessed in the education and care service with disinfectant.
If the remains of an animal or animal faeces have been found, the
remains will be disposed of according to the local Council
guidelines and the area where the remains were found will be
thoroughly disinfected.
*
Educators will be responsible for assessing any situation in the
education and care service where animals are involved to ensure
the health, safety and well-being of children, families and
animals.
EVALUATION
The presence of animals in the education and care service will be
managed by educators to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of
children, families, educators and animals is maintained at all times.
Educators will consider the risks versus the benefits of including
animals in the educational program.
Sources: 1. Kidsafe NSW Inc – www.kidsafensw.org.au
2. NSW Dept of Health -
www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/general/pettingzoo_fs.html
3. Guide to the National Quality Standard - ACECQA
4. Health and Safety in Children’s Services Model Policies and
Practices – 2nd Ed. revised (2003)
5. Kidsafe NSW Inc – www.kidsafensw.org.au
6. Staying Healthy in Child Care 5th Ed
Date of Approval: 21st March 2013
Reviewed & Approved 19th May 2015
Reviewed & Approved 10th May 2017