Noah s Ark Nursery Animals in the Nursery Policy
NOAH S ARK NURSERY ANIMALS IN THE NURSERY POLICY Version: Unique Identifier Ratified by (name of Committee): Date ratified: Date issued: Expiry date: (Document is not valid after this date) Review date: Lead Executive/Director: Name of originator/author: Target audience: Final CO-002 Provider Quality and Safety Committee March 2011 June 2011 March 2014 June 2013 Vicky Preece, Associate Director of Nursing and Therapies and Lead Executive Nurse Sue Lahiff, Matron, Evesham Community Hospital Nursery staff, children and children s parents and carers. If you would like this information in other languages or formats (i.e. large print) please contact the Communications Team on 01905 760020 or email communications@hacw.nhs.uk All staff must ensure that no one in the organisation discriminates (directly or indirectly) or victimises another person on the grounds of sex, age, disability (including reasons of a person s association with disabled people), race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, including transgender men and women, sexual orientation, marital status or any other unjustifiable condition or requirement. Animals in the Nursery Page 1 of 5
Key individuals involved in developing this document Name Andrea Gilks Sarah Greenwood Sue Lahiff Della Lewis Jodie Van Rooyen Faye Condon Rachel Hall Lynn Shone Designation Acting Nursery Manager Nursery Nurse Hospital Matron/Manager Clinical Governance Manager Clinical Audit Co-ordinator Nursery Nurse Assistant Nursery Nurse Nursery Nurse Animals in the Nursery Page 2 of 5
Introduction/Overview Children learn about the natural world, its animals and other living creatures, as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This may include contact with animals, or other living creatures, either in the nursery or in visits. Noah s Ark nursery aims to ensure that this is in accordance with sensible hygiene and safety controls. The nursery manager is responsible for ensuring all staff understand and follow these procedures. EYFS key themes and commitments A Unique Child 1.4 Health and well-being Positive Relationships 2.3 Supporting learning Enabling Environments 3.3 The learning environment Learning and Development 4.1 Play and exploration 4.4 Knowledge and understanding of the world Nursery Procedures for Animals in the Nursery as Pets We take account of the views of parents and children when selecting an animal or creature to keep as a pet in the nursery. We carry out a risk assessment with a knowledgeable person accounting for any hygiene or safety risks posed by the animal or creature. We provide suitable housing for the animal or creature and ensure this is cleaned out regularly and is kept safely. We ensure the correct food is offered at the right times. We make arrangements for holiday care for the animal or creature. Children are taught correct handling and care of the animal or creature and are supervised. Children wash their hands after handling the animal or creature and do not have contact with animal soil or soiled bedding. Staff wear disposable gloves when cleaning housing or handling soiled bedding. Animals in the Nursery Brought by a Visitor If animals or creatures are brought in by visitors to show the children they are the responsibility of the owner. The owner carries out a risk assessment, detailing how the animal or creature is to be handled and how any safety or hygiene issues will be addressed. Disseminating and Implementing this Policy All nursery staff will be required to read this policy on their induction and to comply with the contents of the policy. The policy will be kept in the policy point folder and will be available for staff to refer to at all times. Animals in the Nursery Page 3 of 5
The implementation of the policy will be monitored by nursery staff on a day to day basis. If incidences of non-compliance do occur, this will be dealt with on a case by case basis through performance management of staff. Any adverse incidents will be recorded and reviewed to ensure the policy is fit for purpose. The policy will be formally reviewed at least every three years. Animals in the Nursery Page 4 of 5
Equality Impact Assessment Report Template Your Equality Impact Assessment Report should demonstrate what you do (or will do) to make sure that your function/policy is accessible to different people and communities, not just that it can, in theory, be used by anyone. 1. Name of policy or function Animals in the nursery 2. Responsible Manager Lisa Levy, Associate Director, Provider Services 3. Date EIA completed November 2010 4. Description of aims of function/policy. The aim of the policy is to ensure the nursery pet is cared for. Brief summary of research and relevant data This is based on an Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum policy. 5. Methods and outcomes of consultation. Nursery staff have been involved in writing this policy. 6. Results of Initial Screening or Full Equality Impact Assessment Initial or Full Equality Impact Assessment? Equality Group Race Gender Disability Age Sexual Orientation Religion or Belief Human Rights Assessment of Impact. 7. Decisions and or recommendations (including supporting rationale) 8. Equality action plan (if required) required. 9. Monitoring and review arrangements (include date of next full review) The number of requests for alternative formats will be monitored. The policy will be audited every 12 months and the policy will undergo full review in 3 years. Department Community Hospitals Directorate Provider Services Director Lisa Levy, Associate Director Report produced by and Della Lewis, Clinical Governance Team Manager job title Date report produced November 2010 Date report published November 2010 Animals in the Nursery Page 5 of 5