I think my neighbour has a bees nest/hive in her kitchen roof space. At least there's at 3 least bees i've seen hanging around the same spot outside of her kitchen for a few days now. She said she can't afford to get anybody out to have a look but i have a young child and a dog who play out the back so it's a risk to them.
Bees do tend to buzz around the side of houses. I've had bumble bees nesting in a wall (high up) for a few weeks and I had someone come to advise me and he said they'd be no trouble (not destructive as wasps are) and they wouldn't stay long. Even if your neighbour does have a nest they'll be no risk to your child and dog, they're far too busy to be bothered by anything other than feeding on flowers.
It don't sound like to much too worry about right now, but if they do increase, it may be worth contacting a local bee keepers society, who might be willing to remove them for free, if indeed they are a honey bee swarm.