org.austerfieldfsc: Animal House

Description of Location
The animal unit is situated in a mobile classroom at the Centre. The building is a wooden structure, with an entrance porch into the building and access ramp. An emergency fire door is on the opposite side of the building. The animals are housed in tanks and cages around the inner walls of the classroom and entrance porch.

Likely Hazards
• Children’s reactions (allergies, zoonotic diseases, phobias etc.) to the animals.
• Children causing excessive noise which may frighten the animals.
• Children opening cages and releasing the animals.
• Children putting hands or fingers inside cages and being bittern.

Existing Precautions
• Children are informed of the dangers represented by the animals to them and of the dangers they represent to the animals.
• The need for care and consideration for the animals and each other is stressed at all times.
• Children are told why they need to keep noise and sudden movements to a minimum.
• Children are informed of the dangers of opening cages and putting fingers or hands into cages. This is expressly forbidden.
• Children who behave in an unacceptable and unsafe manner will be excluded from the activity for the safety of others. They will not be allowed to leave the area until the activity has been completed by all the children and they can be properly supervised.
• School staff and accompanying adults will be shared out amongst children whilst in the animal classroom.
• School staff should be aware that the children are under their supervision whilst in the animal classroom.
• Centre staff are responsible for the care and control of the animals.
• All animals that are likely to cause problems(allergic reactions) will be handled in containers.
• After handling animals, staff adults and pupils will wash their hands.
• Children are reminded NOT to suck their fingers throughout the activity.
• Any child bitten by an animal will be taken for immediate treatment.
• Schools should adhere to the staffing ratio specified by their employing authority. If the schoold is from an authority other than Doncaster MBC, Doncaster regulations will be enforced unless these ratios are lower.

Additional factors that could be taken into account to reduce risks or risk factors

• Children may have some experience of handling animals through previous training or undertaking this task at a different time.
• Increasing the ratio of staff participating.
• Number of visiting staff who hold First Aid Certification.
• Ensure the adults with the party know and understand the schools policy on helping adults before the visit.
• Ensuring the activity provider has a thorough understanding of all your requirements for the activity, the numbers, age, general health of the pupils, and where necessary staff involved, ability range of pupils and those likely to cause problems.
• Consideration for the group's general safety, by excluding those likely to create a serious problem from the activity, or by specific control methods to be used for such pupils; i.e. 1:1 ratios with staff / helpers.
• Please also consider when making your assessments, as the generic one does not include, the competence, experience and qualifications of all supervisory staff sent by the schools.
• Does anyone on the trip hold First Aid certification?
• How long has the teacher in charge of each class been qualified?
• Has that person previous experience of organising / participating in a school trip?
• But above all... do the pupils understand what you expect of them from the visit? Have they, and how have they been prepared for this experience?

Last update: July 2010