Animals – Wellbeing and Engagement

Engaging an external provider for wellbeing and engagement animals

Schools may choose to engage an external provider or therapist who brings a wellbeing and engagement animal (for example, school or emotional support animal) or therapy animal onsite.

Procurement

There are several providers listed on the Schools Mental Health Menu. Those providers form a panel of providers that have been contracted under the department’s standard contract and the terms and conditions have been negotiated by the Department of Education for the benefit of schools. Schools can find further information including the Rules of Use on the department-managed categories page.

The provider list is not exhaustive, and schools are encouraged to do their own evidence-based research and make informed decisions about the programs that best meet the needs of their students.

Before an external provider or therapist is selected to assist with the delivery of an animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement program, schools must complete a thorough check to ensure that the provider is appropriate for the program, has experience working with groups of children and/or young people, and meets the Child Safe Standards. In selecting an external provider, schools may consider:

• the attributes of a provider that position them to best deliver the program (for example, specialisation, experience, location, familiarity with the workings of the school)
• the reputation of a provider
• local suppliers, the use of which is encouraged where value for money can be achieved.

This can be conducted through:

• research via the internet
• consultation with other schools about their experience with providers
• consideration of the school’s previous experience with a provider.

Schools must ensure that any purchases related to wellbeing and engagement animals comply with the department’s Procurement – Schools policy.

Grants

Schools that are considering engaging an external provider to run an animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement program onsite may be eligible for an animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs grant.

Duty of care

Schools must be aware that school staff still have duty of care for the students, even when they are using external providers.

Insurance

An external provider needs their own liability insurance.