Our School Dog

There are many benefits of having a school dog.

• Learning (including reading and literacy):

  • Reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence through both the calming effect the dog’s presence has on children as well as the fact that a dog will listen to children read without being judgemental or critical. This comforting environment helps to nurture children’s enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence to read aloud.

• Self-esteem and interest for all students and especially some of our most vulnerable groups.

• Emotional support:

  • This includes situations such as emotional management and bereavement.

• Moods lift and brighten:

  • Dogs often provoke laughter and a sense of fun.

• Spending time with the dog helps to build a child's sense of responsibility.

• Stress-reducing interactions with a furry friend reduces blood-pressure.

• Dogs can also teach compassion, respect and empathy for other living things.

• Love and support for groups of students.

• Knowledge and understanding of animals.

• A feel and sense of community – a dog in a school increases the sense of a family environment, with all of the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.

My child is allergic to dogs

It is understandable that some of you may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. However, Bertie will be subjected to the most thorough cleaning and grooming regime. He will also only be allowed in situations with students who voluntarily wish to work with him. Your permission will of course be sought in advance of Bertie having access to, and working with, your child in school.

Will Bertie be properly cared for?

Bertie will be extremely well looked after. When he's not in school, Bertie lives with a member of our Senior Leadership Team. In school, he follows a timetable that allows for plenty of breaks. When not with students, he is in our Pastoral Office or Admin Office, where he is shown plenty of love!

My child is scared of dogs

Some children may have had upsetting experiences and/or have a fear of dogs (or other animals). Bertie will only be in contact with children whose parents are happy for their child to work with him. However, Bertie’s training helps him to be calm and gentle around children. Experience and research has shown that, with proper guidance and handling, children can learn to overcome their fear of animals and grow in respect and appreciation for them.

The school has a ‘no dogs’ policy

Our school does have a ‘no dogs’ policy. However, as Bertie has been trained as a Therapy Dog, specific rules will apply to him, as a member of staff. He will be on a lead when moving around the school site and will always be accompanied by an adult.  The only times Bertie will be off his lead is during his outdoor breaks  or in enclosed office/classroom spaces with students who are comfortable with him off lead (all with staff). Bertie will not be allowed to roam the site freely so there will be no issues with toileting etc.