Info for schools

• Will the dog disrupt other students?
• Will the dog affect any medical conditions for example asthma or allergies?
• What about the dog’s food and toilet needs?
• Who is responsible for erecting and paying for the dog’s spending run?
• Who will be responsible for establishing, locating and cleaning of the spending run?
• Are children under the age of 16 too young to train with a dog?
• What is Guide Dogs advice to parents of very young children for whom it is too soon to have a guide dog?
• What other organisations exist which can offer support and advice to parents of children who are blind or partially-sighted?
• Would the dog be let off the lead at school?
• What about possible reaction to the dog in a school with a high BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) population
• Should the dog be allowed into all lessons?
• What about Food Technology lessons?
• If it is not advisable for a dog to be in particular lessons who is permitted to look after the dog and where would they go?
• Should any special arrangements be made for the student at lunchtime?
• What happens if problems arise?
• Is there anyone else the teacher can speak to regarding the dog or any aspect of its training?
• Can a school refuse access to a guide dog?
• Where can a school, parent or other professional get further information on the young persons? guide dog service?

Will the dog disrupt other students?

The opposite has been found; the dog’s presence has helped to settle disruptive students. We would welcome the opportunity to speak to the staff and pupils at the school, as their co-operation is very important in maintaining the good behaviour and training of the dog

Will the dog affect any medical conditions for example asthma or allergies?

Guide dogs are well trained and socialised. Their general health is carefully monitored and they receive regular routine preventative health programmes (we can send out a Schools and Families fact sheet). The handler is taught regular and routine grooming procedures which should minimise hair loss if followed.

The presence of a dog may affect some medical conditions – for example asthma. These situations are rare but we ensure we review health backgrounds as appropriate and medical advice is sought as applicable.

What about the dog’s food and toilet needs?

The dog will be fed either before school or after, however water must be available in the school. The young person can carry a portable dog bowl from one class to the next. A dog bowl can also be located in a quiet corner in a classroom. The dog must be given the opportunity to drink periodically during the day.

The dog may need to relieve itself at various points during the school day and on rare occasions this may interrupt lessons. We would ask that a discreet but easily accessible quiet space outdoors be identified for a run to be erected.  The size of this run is 9ft by 6ft and is 4ft high. The area would need to be flagged and after the dog has relieved itself, a hose should be available to keep the area clean. The relief pen will need to be cleaned daily .This is the owner’s responsibility; however cleaning tasks may be delegated as appropriate. A water supply and disposal bin will be important

The young person is taught how to keep the run clean, although it is recommended that a nominated person at school assists with overall responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. Faeces will be double bagged, the bags tied and placed in a suitable waste receptacle.

Who is responsible for erecting and paying for the dog’s spending run?

Where necessary we will negotiate this as a ‘reasonable adjustment’ for the local authority to take responsibility for.

This should not prevent a young person from benefiting from a guide dog. Guide Dogs will advise on location, design and cleaning of a relief area.

Who will be responsible for establishing, locating and cleaning of the spending run?

The pupil has day-to-day responsibility for feeding and caring for the dog, however a nominated member of staff (caretaker/maintenance staff) may be required to help with the cleaning of a spending pen. Health and safety is of paramount importance and thus guidance will be offered.

Are children under the age of 16 too young to train with a dog?

There is no minimum age to apply for a guide dog.  We will consider each case individually and we may offer ‘pre-training’ to young people, which may include long cane training or the experience of having a dog within the household. Young people aged 12+ are most likely to benefit from a guide dog.  We generally need to ensure that the young person is well settled at secondary school.

What is Guide Dogs advice to parents of very young children for whom it is too soon to have a guide dog?

It will be rare for us to train a young person with a guide dog prior to secondary school. However we would still welcome applications from interested parties. Guide Dogs can advise, and in certain situations assist in developing the necessary skills for future guide dog ownership. We may also advise on other support services and agencies available.

What other organisations exist which can offer support and advice to parents of children who are blind or partially-sighted?

Many service organisations exist to support children who are blind or partially-sighted. The National Blind Children’s Society (NBCS) and Mobility and Independence Specialists in Education (MISE) are just two examples. Guide Dogs works closely with many support organisations and service providers. As such we are able to offer appropriate advice or to signpost/refer in accordance with an individuals need.

Would the dog be let off the lead at school?

To maintain standards of training, and for Health and Safety reasons, the dog should remain on a lead at all times whilst in the school grounds. The exception may be when the dog is placed in the pen to relieve itself.

If the owner is walking to school it will receive sufficient exercise each day, however a small walk in harness at lunch time or free run may be advisable, and this can be agreed with the training instructor who can recommend what the dog may require.

What about possible reaction to the dog in a school with a high BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) population

In reality, there have been no reports of any difficulties within schools with a high number of Asian pupils. However Guide Dogs in recent years has accomplished some groundbreaking work to break down some of the perceived barriers and fears of guide dogs from BME communities

Where concerns or apprehensive reactions are evident Guide Dogs will offer appropriate advice and support.

Should the dog be allowed into all lessons?

The dog should be able to accompany its owner to all lessons, unless there is a significant reason otherwise – for example if the dog could be disturbed by a loud noise, or come into contact with a hazardous substance, heat or flame. In these situations the dog is best left with a designated carer. Guide Dogs staff will advise and offer support as appropriate.

What about Food Technology lessons?

Due to their high standards of care and hygiene, guide dogs are allowed into food areas including kitchens.

However when lessons include cooking, it may be advisable for the dog to stay with a designated carer for health and safety reasons – for example slips, trips and falls, heat, flames etc. Guide Dogs staff would advise as appropriate.

If it is not advisable for a dog to be in particular lessons who is permitted to look after the dog and where would they go?

We would recommend a quiet office, preferably with a designated carer. Guide Dogs staff will advise and offer support as appropriate.

Should any special arrangements be made for the student at lunchtime?

There is no reason why the student shouldn't eat lunch in the normal dining area. An allocated seat or table may be helpful so that the student and dog can be taught the route. Care is required to ensure that the dog is not offered titbits or given an opportunity to scavenge. A first sitting can help prevent the dog being tempted by food on the floor.

What happens if problems arise?

The charity is proud of its high standards and is committed to support any guide dog partnership as required. Advice can be given by phone or through an Instructor visit or visit to the vets. If support is needed a request can come from parents, the owner or the school.  Behavioural or health issues are classed as high priority.

Is there anyone else the teacher can speak to regarding the dog or any aspect of its training?

Yes, if the question relates to the dog specifically or to any aspect of its training, questions can be directed to the Mobility Team Manager or designated Instructor.

Alternatively you may wish to speak to another school where training has already taken place as part of the pilot project with young people. These teachers and other professionals are happy to share their experiences, and Guide Dogs can facilitate this.

Can a school refuse access to a guide dog?

Where an application for a guide dog from a young person is successful Guide Dogs will work closely with all parties, including school professionals, to address any concerns problems or barriers which may be evident. Due to their high standard of training and care, guide dogs are given access to most public buildings. As such, guide dog owners should not be excluded from accessing schools.  For many years blind and partially-sighted teachers have attended schools with their guide dogs. We would not expect guide dogs to be refused access. No legal challenges are evident to date.

Where can a school, parent or other professional get further information on the young persons? guide dog service?

A general information leaflet on the Young Persons Guide Dog Service is now available ? Download the PDF advice leaflet about guide dogs and children and young people. (3MB), or request a copy by emailing publications@guidedogs.org.uk or calling 0118 983 8243. Further specific information is available upon application.

Information on the Vision Support Services offered by Guide Dogs via contracts with local authorities.