Re: Dogs
Originally Posted by
CCJD
Ofsted have no problem with dogs however will expect to see suitable risk assesment taken - just like with anything else. Your friend needs to consider areas like : leaving a dog with children unsupervised, dog feeding,dog mess, general hygene. For example I have a stairgate over my playroom door so that dogs do not have access - they are fed outside of minding hours so no food bowls around- children can't get to water bowls- dogs go in an area of the garden where the children are not allowed- garden is checked regularly for dog mess, hand washing is encouraged after touching dog, dogs are regularly wormed - house is hoovered twice a day to keep it clean of dog hair (I have 2 dogs and dod hair blows like tumbleweed arcross my floors if I don't keep on top of it). That's it to start with - sure there us more. As with most things so longas properly considered and risk assessed she will be fine.
I have a German Shepherd and i do as above. I can't segretate the garden but i can keep the dog in the house whilst the kids are in the garden using stairgates. You just have to be sensible about things and i have found that its a constant "work in progress" in terms of finding ways to ensure that everyone is happy. I use stairgates which allows me to ensure a baby area is kept free of the dog. If i have no babies around the older children decide for themselves if they want Jake (the dog) around and they can shut the gates if they like.
Jake is very good natured but i agree that i can't take him for granted and i ensure that children are not left alone with him ever. He goes outside if or is segregated in the kitchen if i go to the bathroom etc. Ofsted were happy with what i had done. Its a shame that the CC are not letting one poster keep their dog. Learning to care for animals and having them around is good for children as they grow up.
I'm not paranoid - the world IS out to get me!
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