Animal welfare and schools

Extract

This booklet is aimed at school heads and governors and explains why the RSPCA considers that there is a need for all schools to have, or to develop as part of their overall plan, a policy on animals and education. It also provides guidance on what the policy should cover and how it can be established. A key component of the suggested programme is the undertaking of an animal welfare audit of the school and its activities. This includes, not only an assessment of standards of management of any animals kept at the school but also the animal welfare implications of maintaining the school grounds and of catering, cleaning and waste disposal. It is suggested that much of the audit and follow-up activities can be undertaken by pupils in a way that can fulfil key requirements of the National Curriculum in core and foundation subjects.