QA2 | 2.2.1 | Supervision – At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.
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QA3 | 3.1.1 | Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child. |
3.2.3 | Environmentally responsible – The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible. |
National Regulations
Regs | 168 | Policies and procedures are required in relation to health and safety |
EYLF
LO | Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment |
Aim
To promote respect for the environment and all animals, to educate children about the proper care and treatment of animals, and to provide a safe and hygienic environment that minimises the risk of injuries from the animal.
Implementation
- The Nominated Supervisor will complete a written risk assessment before allowing any animal to be kept at the service, or pet to visit the service, and take appropriate actions to reduce the risk of harm the animal may pose to children and adults (which may include a decision not to proceed). Records of the assessment and resulting actions will be maintained at the service
- Children must be closely supervised when accessing any animal or pet at the service.
- Any animal or pet kept at the Service will be regularly fed, cleaned, vaccinated, have flea powder applied to them and be regularly checked for fleas and wormed. Any animal in a cage will have its cage cleaned daily
- Educators will teach children how to properly care for animals and how to treat them appropriately
- Room tasks will include feeding, cleaning and caring for the animal, and children will take turns completing these activities. The roster will be supervised by educators to ensure caring for and feeding the animal is not overlooked
- The Nominated Supervisor and educators will implement a staff roster to ensure any animal that requires care or feeding over the weekend or outside service operating hours is either taken to a staff member’s home or provided with care and food at the service during these periods
- Animal or pets will not be allowed in the sandpit or any other play area. In event that this happens, educators will refer to the Sand Pit Policy
- Animal or pets will never be taken into the food preparation area nor will they be allowed near the eating or sleeping area
- Anyone who has handled the animal or pet will immediately wash their hands after they have finished handling the animal or pet
- Children’s animal or pets will only be allowed in the Service when permission has been granted by the Nominated Supervisor. If an animal is brought to the Service when families are collecting children it must be left at the gate far enough way so children cannot touch the animal through the fence
Source
Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations
National Quality Standard
Early Years Learning Framework
Review
The policy will be reviewed annually by:
- Management
- Employees
- Families
- Interested Parties