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Another significant problem around the school gates is the number of parents who bring their dogs when taking or collecting their children from school. Not only are many children (and also adults) very frightened of dogs, but there is real concern for the safety of children entering and leaving school with dogs in such close proximity. I've often seen breeds at the school gates which have a reputation for aggressive tendencies and I've yet to see any of them muzzled. At a child's height any dog can seem very intimidating and even the soppiest and gentlest of loyal family dogs can turn and snap as a normal self-defensive reflex, if they're accidentally stepped on or hurt in the busy school crowds. I'm also always very conscious of the fact that with their keen sense of smell, dogs at the school gates probably have a tempting banquet of post-breakfast scents wafting past them, thanks to hurriedly washed or wiped little fingers and faces, which are all at a vulnerable, within-reach, height for most dogs (including younger children in pushchairs). Another bone of contention (excuse the pun) is the revolting trail of dogs' mess dotted around the school route's pavements, which can be virtually impossible to avoid sometimes. It's bad enough trying to navigate around this at the best of times, but it's an especially unsavoury challenge for mothers who are hurrying to school with pushchairs or prams, whilst simultaneously trying to ensure that their other children, who are walking or on scooters, manage to stay safe and clean.

As we cannot guarantee that dog owners will have full control over their dogs, we do not allow dogs onto school premises.

Bringing dogs onto the premises would pose a health and safety risk to our children and could be unsettling for many as they arrive and leave school. There are added risks of dogs fouling, dogs biting or showing aggressive unpredictable behaviour.

For very obvious Health & Safety reasons, no dogs are permitted on to school

Premises, this includes playgrounds and the area in front of the school gates.

Allowing dogs onto school premises increases the potential for serious harm to

Our school community, particularly our young children, in terms of serious

Health risks posed by coming into contact with dog faeces, allergic reactions to

Animal hair by being in the vicinity of dogs, and, of course, the potential

Physical danger posed by the unpredictable nature of dogs.

It may be that parents/carers who have been bringing their dog to school to

Drop off or collect their children, are doing so because they are combining this

With taking their dog for a walk.

I ask those to whom this applies, to reorganise their arrangements for dog

Walking and ensure that their dogs are not brought to school, as even to have

Dogs immediately outside the school gates at these times is potentially

Dangerous due to the large numbers of children arriving or leaving a

School. some on bikes and scooters which may cause dogs to become overexcited.

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13y ago

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