A brief word about dogs on or near the school site. I’ve had a small number of understandable, sympathetic, kindly worded concerns raised recently, and it feels right to address this calmly and openly. Current Local Authority guidance recognises the balance here: while dogs are not automatically prohibited in public spaces, schools are advised to take a cautious, proportionate approach that prioritises safeguarding, risk reduction, and the needs of children.
For now, dogs are welcome, but this must be underpinned by courtesy, vigilance, and shared responsibility. Dogs should be kept on a short lead, under close control at all times, and positioned well away from children — particularly at busy drop-off and pick-up points. It’s also important to acknowledge that some children are genuinely frightened of dogs, and that dogs are not everyone’s cup of tea.
This isn’t about taking sides. It’s about recognising that we share a space, we share a schhool, we share kids, but we also, hopefully, also show a vision, and the view that calm routines and children’s sense of safety must come first. The Local Authority guidance supports exactly this kind of balanced, common-sense approach — one that allows access, while being clear about expectations.
We’ll keep this under constant review, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation — whichever side of the fence you sit on — as we work to keep school welcoming, safe, and respectful for all.
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