POLICIES TO BE UPLOADED SHORTLY

Statement on E Coli

Dandelion Time is a charity dedicated to helping children with emotional, behavoural and social difficulties and their families. We operate in a farm environment with some pigs, chickens and sheep on site. We have always been aware of the risk of infection with E. coli 0157 and have taken active precautions against it. In the light of the most recent outbreak we have of course reviewed all our procedures involving contact with animals and have ensured proper measures are in place to protect children and their families, as well as staff and volunteers.

As part of our underlying philosophy and therapeutic approach contact with the living world is an immensely valuable experience which can help children recover from trauma and make sense of their environment.We have no plans to change this in the light of the recent concerns unless there is a change in national guidance. It should be noted that

1.   the children we serve are mainly over 7 years of age and are always accompanied in their contact with animals by more than one adult.

2.   we follow a strict hand washing and personal hygiene protocol but understand that while this is the best hope of preventing an infection, it is not a guarantee.

Yesterday a spokesman for the Department of Health said: ''In the light of the current outbreaks of E.coli 0157, associated with visits to open farms, the advisory committee on dangerous pathogens is being asked to review the current guidance and will advise on the need for additional precautions.''

Currently it does not advise against contact but advocates thorough hand washing.

The spokesman added: ''The risk of infection from E.coli 0157 through petting farm animals can be prevented by following everyday good hand hygiene measures.

''Ill health following a visit to an open farm is unusual even amongst children and these risks need to be balanced against the benefits for a child's education and development that arise from contact with animals.''

Dr Caroline Jessel, Chairman

22nd September 2009