Lesson 11: Conducting Risk Assessments for Dogs in Schools.

Conducting Risk Assessments for Dogs in Schools
 

In this lesson, we will cover the critical importance of risk assessments when integrating a school dog into your school environment. Although it’s tempting to focus solely on the positive impacts a therapy dog can have, we must always ensure safety measures are in place to protect everyone—students, staff, and the dog.

Risk assessments are not about being overly cautious but about safeguarding the wellbeing of all involved. A well-prepared risk assessment ensures that your school dog programme is effective, safe, and manageable.

Why Risk Assessments Matter

In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers (including schools) to take reasonable steps to protect people from harm. This includes assessing the risks of having a dog on school grounds.

Common risks associated with dogs in schools include:

• Accidental injury (e.g., biting, jumping)
  
  

• Allergies
  
  

• Fear responses
  
  

• Unpredictable behaviour (especially in stressful situations)
  
  

• Hygiene issues
  
  

A risk assessment helps identify these risks and puts measures in place to prevent harm. It demonstrates your school’s commitment to safety and accountability to parents, Ofsted inspectors, and leadership teams.

Conducting a Comprehensive Risk Assessment

A thorough risk assessment will cover three major areas: dog-related risks, child-related risks, and environment-related risks. Here's a guide to consider:

1. Dog-Related Hazards

• Biting risk: Could the dog bite if startled or overstimulated?
  
  

• Jumping up: Could the dog knock someone over or cause fear by jumping?
  
  

• Health and stress: How does the dog behave under stress or illness?
  
  

• Toileting accidents: What happens if the dog has an accident in the classroom?
  
  

• Zoonotic diseases: Could the dog transmit diseases (via faeces, touch, or surfaces)?
  
  

• Allergies: Are there any children or staff members allergic to dogs?
  
  

2. Child-Related Risks

• Behavioural risks: Could children unintentionally hurt the dog (e.g., pulling ears/tails)?
  
  

• Fear or trauma responses: Might some children react unpredictably due to trauma or fear of dogs?
  
  

• Hygiene: Are students consistently washing their hands after interacting with the dog?
  
  

• Emotional attachment: Could a child become overly attached to the dog in an unhealthy way?
  
  

3. Environment-Related Risks

• Tripping hazards: Could anyone trip over the dog’s lead or water bowl?
  
  

• Rest areas: Is the dog’s resting area quiet and undisturbed?
  
  

• Emergency procedures: Does the school’s emergency plan cover the dog in fire drills or lockdowns?
  
  

Control Measures to Minimise Risk

After identifying potential hazards, you'll need to implement control measures. These should be realistic and practical for your school setting.

Examples of Control Measures:

• Bites and jumping: Ensure that all dog interactions are supervised by trained staff and that only planned sessions take place.
  
  

• Hygiene: Set up a strict handwashing protocol after any dog interaction. Use signage and educate students regularly.
  
  

• Allergies: Collect allergy information from parents and implement dog-free zones for affected students.
  
  

• Stress management: Provide quiet spaces for the dog and establish a predictable routine.
  
  

• Toileting: Schedule regular breaks for the dog and set up a designated, safe area for waste disposal.
  
  

What Your Risk Assessment Should Include

A clear, structured risk assessment should include:

• Description of activities (e.g., 1:1 reading sessions, classroom interactions)
  
  

• List of identified hazards (e.g., bites, allergies)
  
  

• People at risk (pupils, staff, visitors, dog)
  
  

• Control measures already in place
  
  

• Further actions needed (e.g., training, signage)
  
  

• Responsibilities (who is monitoring and implementing measures)
  
  

• Review date for ongoing evaluation
  
  

This risk assessment is a live document that should be updated regularly.

Policies and Guidelines

Your risk assessment should be closely aligned with your school’s dog policy, including:

• Interaction rules: How students and staff should approach and interact with the dog.
  
  

• Hygiene protocols: Handwashing rules and the cleaning of the dog’s equipment.
  
  

• Roles and responsibilities: Who is responsible for the care of the dog, including handling and training.
  
  

• Behaviour management: Protocols for managing unsafe or inappropriate behaviours around the dog.
  
  

• Emergency procedures: Clear steps if there’s an emergency involving the dog (e.g., escape, health issue).
  
  

Keeping it Current – A Living Document

Remember, your risk assessment is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing process. You should review it:

• Every term, during regular safeguarding and site checks.
  
  

• After any incident or near-miss (even minor ones).
  
  

• When the dog’s role changes (e.g., more activities or new children involved).
  
  

• When the dog’s health or behaviour changes.
  
  

• When new staff or children join (especially those with allergies or additional needs)

Conclusion

Risk assessments aren’t about creating unnecessary barriers; they are about ensuring a safe, effective, and sustainable school dog programme. By identifying and managing potential hazards, you’ll protect the welfare of your students, staff, and the dog while maximising the benefits of animal-assisted interventions.

Remember: Regular reviews and updates to your risk assessments will ensure the safety and effectiveness of your school dog programme long-term.