§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on the(a) keeping of pets in schools and (b) development of school farms; how those activities are compatible with her Department's guidelines on health and safety; and if she will make a statement. [67198]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggKeeping pets in schools and encountering farming activities can be useful educational experiences for pupils. The Department has issued guidelines on health and safety in science education, and also endorsed guidance from educational organisations, covering good keeping and handling of living organisms in schools. The Growing Schools initiative, launched last September, and supported by £500,000 funding, includes the development of school grounds for growing, for example, food "crops", and may also support farm units which contain animals.