Pet Policy

Pet Policy (Updated EYFS September 2026)

Policy Statement:

At Just Little Ones childminding, we recognise the valuable role suitable pets can play in children’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Safe interactions can support empathy, responsibility, curiosity and learning about the natural world.

Children’s safety and welfare, and the welfare of the animals, come first. This policy applies to resident pets and visiting animals and reflects the EYFS statutory framework effective from 1 September 2026 in England.

Banned Dog Breeds — September 2026 Requirement:

  • Dogs to which section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 applies must not be kept or present on the premises at any time. These include:
    • Pit Bull Terrier
    • Japanese Tosa
    • Dogo Argentino
    • Fila Brasileiro
    • XL Bully type
  • This prohibition applies even if the owner holds a Certificate of Exemption.
  • Keeping the dog in a separate room, enclosure or garden, or arranging for it to be absent only during childcare hours, does not meet this requirement.
  • Household members, staff, parents, carers and visitors will be informed that they must not bring a banned dog onto the premises. This includes temporary visits and arrangements to look after someone else’s dog.
  • If there is uncertainty about whether a dog is a banned type, we will seek advice from the police or local council dog warden before allowing it onto the premises.
  • If a banned dog is found on the premises, we will immediately protect children from contact and arrange for the dog to leave safely. Childcare will not continue on premises that do not meet this requirement; our emergency care arrangements will be followed where necessary.

Types of Pets Allowed and Risk Assessment:

  • Suitable pets may include small mammals, fish, birds, cats and dogs that are not banned types.
  • No species, breed, size or familiar temperament automatically makes an animal safe around children.
  • Before introducing a pet or visiting animal, we will assess:
    • Its health, behaviour, housing and care needs.
    • Children’s ages, development, allergies and individual needs.
    • Supervision, hygiene and separation arrangements.
  • We will record significant risks and the measures used to control them.
  • Reptiles require particular caution because of Salmonella risks. As a setting precaution, children under five will not handle reptiles, their food or enclosure equipment.
  • Any reptiles already kept on the premises will be securely separated, with controls against indirect contamination.

Pet details and arrangements:
Ralph- pedigree golden retriever

Rex- golden retriever

Health and Veterinary Care:

  • Pets will receive appropriate veterinary care, including vaccinations and parasite treatment where recommended for their species.
  • Relevant veterinary and treatment records will be retained.
  • Animals showing signs of illness will be separated from children and veterinary advice sought. Contact will resume only when it is safe.

Child-Friendly Pets and Supervised Interactions:

  • Only animals assessed as suitable for the children present will take part in planned interactions.
  • A responsible adult will directly supervise and remain close enough to intervene immediately.
  • Children will never be left alone with a dog, including a familiar family dog. When direct supervision cannot be maintained, dogs and children will be securely separated.
  • Children will be taught gentle handling and to leave animals alone while they are:
    • Eating.
    • Sleeping or resting.
    • Caring for their young.
    • Retreating to a quiet space.
  • Animals will have a safe retreat inaccessible to children.
  • Children will not be forced to touch or approach animals. We will respect their fears, preferences and individual needs.
  • Contact will stop immediately if an animal shows stress, distress, aggression or unpredictable behaviour. The animal will be securely separated and its suitability reassessed before any further contact.

Hygiene and Cleanliness:

  • Adults and children will wash their hands with soap and running water after touching animals, their equipment or enclosures, and before eating or handling food.
  • Hand sanitiser will not replace handwashing.
  • Animal habitats and equipment will be cleaned regularly using appropriate products, stored safely away from children.
  • Cleaning will be kept separate from food preparation and children’s activities.
  • Animal waste will be removed promptly by an adult and disposed of safely.
  • Children will not access litter trays, animal waste, pet medication or cleaning products.
  • Pet food, bowls and equipment will be stored separately from children’s food and utensils.
  • Animals will not lick children’s faces, food or eating utensils.
  • Outdoor areas will be checked for animal waste and other pet-related hazards before children use them.

Allergies and Sensitivities:

  • Parents and carers will be told about resident pets and planned visiting animals in advance and asked about allergies, asthma, sensitivities and fears.
  • Individual arrangements will be agreed with families, with healthcare advice where appropriate.
  • Pet-free areas alone will not be assumed to eliminate airborne or transferred allergens.
  • Where risks cannot be safely managed, animal contact or the care arrangements will be changed before the child attends.

Pet-Free Zones:

  • Children’s designated sleep spaces, cots, bedding, food preparation areas and eating areas will be kept free from pets.
  • Animals will be prevented from accessing children’s sleep spaces even when those spaces are not in use.
  • Any contaminated equipment will be cleaned before use.

Health and Safety Measures:

  • Pet enclosures, gates and barriers will be secure and suitable.
  • Animal care will not compromise children’s supervision or the setting’s staffing arrangements.
  • Bites, scratches and suspected allergic reactions will be dealt with promptly under our first aid and accident procedures.
  • Medical advice or emergency assistance will be obtained according to the injury or symptoms.
  • Incidents will be recorded and parents informed as soon as possible.
  • Any required notifications to Ofsted or our childminder agency and other relevant authorities will be made within the applicable timescales.
  • Animal encounters on outings will be considered in the outings risk assessment.
  • Children will not approach unfamiliar animals without an adult first checking that an interaction is appropriate and safe.

Educating Children About Pets:

  • Appropriate activities may help children learn about:
    • Animal needs and care routines.
    • Animal behaviour.
    • Responsibility and respect for living creatures.
    • The natural world.
    • Good hygiene after animal contact.
  • These experiences can support Understanding the World and personal, social and emotional development.
  • We will model kindness, respect and good hygiene.
  • Participation will be appropriate to children’s age and development and the animal’s welfare needs.

Reporting and Communication with Parents:

  • Parents will be informed about significant changes to pets or animal arrangements and any incident involving their child.
  • We will share relevant observations and address concerns promptly.
  • This policy will be shared with parents, staff and assistants, with relevant rules explained to household members and visitors.

Review and Monitoring:

  • This policy and associated risk assessments will be reviewed annually, and sooner following:
    • An incident or concern.
    • The introduction of a new pet.
    • Changes to children’s needs.
    • Updated requirements or guidance.
  • Feedback from parents, carers, staff and assistants will inform reviews.

Related Policies:

Safeguarding and Child Protection; Health and Safety; Risk Assessment; Infection Control and Hygiene; Safe Sleep; Accident and Injury; Visitors; Outings; Emergency and Alternative Care.

Signed: Jemma Ferriday

Date: Sept 2026

Next review date: Sept 2027

References: