Pet & Animal Policy

Little Explorers believe that children can learn a lot from having contact with animals, however certain procedures must be followed to ensure the safety of the children;

• Children must be encouraged to treat all animals with respect, learning how to handle them correctly
• Children must wash their hands after any contact with animals and understand the reasoning behind this
• Children must be taught that not all animals are child friendly and that they should always check with the animal’s owner before attempting to stroke or handle them
• Pet food must be stored safely away from the children’s reach
• A high standard of hygiene must be followed, with careful thought given to the placing of the feeding and drink bowls of dogs and cats
• The garden must be checked every morning, before the children are permitted outside to play, to ensure that no animal has fouled it.

Banned Dog Breeds & Dog Safety

This policy meets the EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders 2026, Safeguarding and Welfare Prohibition of childcare where banned dog breeds are present.

1. The Law - EYFS 2026

From 1st September 2026: Childminding must not take place on any premises where a dog breed or type prohibited by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended) is present or kept.

This applies:

• Inside the house
• In the garden
• In outbuildings, kennels, or vehicles on the premises
• Even if the dog is kept separate from children, in a crate, or owned by another household member
• Even if the dog is visiting temporarily

If a banned breed is present, we must stop childminding on those premises immediately.

2. Which Dogs Are Banned

The following are prohibited under UK law and cannot be on childminding premises:

• Pit Bull Terrier type
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
-
• XL Bully type (added to Dangerous Dogs Act 31st Dec 2023)

This includes cross-breeds that meet the type characteristics.

3. Our Commitment at Little Explorers

We confirm:

• No banned breed dog is kept or present at our childminding premises at Little Explorers.
• No banned breed dog is owned by any person living or working on the premises.
• No member of our households or regular visitor owns a banned breed that will be brought onto the premises.
• If a banned breed is kept at another property we use for childminding (e.g. outings, other childminder's house), childminding will not take place there.

If our circumstances change and a banned breed moves to or visits the premises, we will:

1. 1. Cease childminding on the premises immediately
2. 2. Notify Ofsted / our Childminder Agency and parents on the same day
3. 3. Not resume childminding until the dog is permanently removed and we have risk assessed and notified Ofsted/Agency that premises are compliant.

4. Other Dogs & Pets

Any other pet dog in the setting is fully risk assessed:

• Dogs are never left alone with children
• Children are taught to not approach, stroke or feed dogs without permission
• Dogs have separate sleeping/eating area away from children
• Dogs are up to date with vaccinations, flea/worming treatment and temperament suitable for childcare setting
• Any visiting dogs (e.g. friends/family) are pre-approved, on lead and risk assessed - no unknown dogs on premises during childminding hours
• Children wash hands after contact

Our pet risk assessment is updated annually or when a new pet arrives.

5. Outings and Walks

When on outings:

• We will avoid contact with unknown dogs
• If we encounter a dog that is aggressive or appears to be a banned type, we will move children away calmly
• We will not take children to a household where a banned breed is kept

6. Parents' Responsibility

Please inform us immediately if:

7. Declaration

We have read the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and DEFRA guidance on XL Bully type dogs. We understand that it is our responsibility to ensure our premises remains free of banned breeds.