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ℹ️
POLICY INFORMATION
| Version |
1.0 |
| Last Approved |
May 2026 |
| Next Review Due |
May 2027 |
| Last Updated |
28/05/26 |
| Policy Owner |
‣ |
| Applies To |
All Staff |
| Approval Authority |
Paint Pots Preschool & Nursery |
| Staff Acknowledgement Required |
Yes |
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Animal Welfare
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met.
These include the need:
- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease
We ensure that these needs are met for all animals owned and cared for as nursery pets by the employment of appropriate welfare routines. Thus children are taught the correct way to approach and handle animals without frightening or hurting them.
Child Safety / Hygiene
- Access to animals by children must always be supervised to minimise risk of injury to a child.
- Children must wash their hands after handling animals, cleaning cages etc
- Particular care should be taken with reptiles as all species can carry Salmonella
- While children are allowed to stroke, hold and pet animals, they must not be permitted to bring them in contact with their faces or to kiss them.
- Checks must be made for any medical condition affecting any child (eg asthma), prior to handling any animal.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (eg disposable gloves) must be used by staff / children when cleaning out animals.
Cleaning & Feeding