Dogs in School

Our academy is a dog-free site, and we respectfully ask our families not to bring their pets  through the gates and on to the  school grounds. 

The exception to the rule are recognised assistance dogs such as guide dogs e.g. for those who are visually impaired or hearing dogs for the deaf. These dogs can be clearly identified by their harnesses and badges. If you, or a family member who may come on the school site will be bringing such an assistance dog, please let us know, then we can ensure we do all we can to make your time at the academy a safe one.

Sometimes we may invite specialist assistance dogs and their owners into school to meet the children. If this happens, your child's teacher will contact you first for your permission and instructions should your child have allergies or be afraid of dogs.

In recent times, dogs and other animals are sometimes being used as therapy pets or emotional assistance dogs who may be of help to people with specific needs, thereby providing reassuring support for those they work with. While medical practitioners may suggest their use, at this time, assistance dogs such as these are not yet regulated in the UK, and not every dog is suitable for such a purpose. However, we recognise that they may provide a valuable service and would not wish to hinder their use. Such dogs, at the discretion of the Trust, may come on to the academy site providing owners are aware that:

• Their dog must have had formal and certified training from an accredited trainer affiliated to an organisation or accrediting body. Formal certification/documents must be provided before the dog is brought to school and these will be verified on a case-by-case basis by the Trust prior to the dog being permitted on site.
• A certificate purchased online and/or informal owner training is not adequate for us to provide a suitable risk assessment.  As this training is not standardised by accreditation. We have to be sure your dog is appropriately trained and safe to be in a busy school environment.

After sharing proof of accredited training and access to school is approved:

• The dogs must be on a short lead and held by the owner at all times.
• The dog must wear a clearly labelled jacket and harness.
• The dog may not enter the school premises/ building without prior arrangements with the head teacher.

This website may be of use:

https://www.therapydogtraining.co.uk/post/what-is-a-therapy-dog-in-the-uk