Our School Dog

All About Our School Dog    

Stanley is our school dog. He is a Bassett Fauve De Bretagne and has been attending our school since he was just 6 months old. Stanley is still young and getting to know the school and comes in once a week. He loves hanging out in the office, playing on the field and snoozing in Miss Hooks office!

Eventually Stanley will undertake training to work with children who have special needs, or who are upset in any way and in need of calm, comfort and space before being able to tell an adult what has upset them. Stanley has completed his Bronze Good Citizen Award and is working towards his Silver. Once he has completed this he will be able to undertake an assessment as a Pets As Therapy dog.

Once fully trained, Stanley will spend his days visiting the classrooms and listening to readers from across the school. Sometimes he will even help us out by looking after anyone who is feeling a bit sad - a little stroke and a look into those big brown eyes is enough to make anyone feel happy again.

There are many benefits to having a school dog, including:

• a calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
• improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem
• encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children 
• fostering a sense of responsibility
• motivating pupils to think and to learn, as most children have a high level of natural interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals
• encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers
• teaching children to nurture and respect life
• helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children, and educational improvements with low achievers
• helping children build confidence in reading.

Please see separate article link below.

Guardian Article - 'Dogs Listen to Children's Reading' 

We are aware that some parents, teachers and children may be unsure around dogs. We make sure that we let people know when Stanley is in the building and we will make sure he is sleeping somewhere secure so that he cannot approach people unawares.

With parental permission, over a period of time children who react fearfully to dogs will be supported in approaching, handling and gaining confidence in managing their fear. While the dog’s main place of residence will be an office area, which is secure and separate from the classrooms, children will able to interact with the dog under strict supervision at certain times of the week as long as parental permission has been given. The dog will not be given access to other visitors without supervision or mutual consent. Please understand that we will do everything we can to reassure children who are fearful and that under no circumstances will they be forced to meet with the dog.

Whilst moving around the school, Stanley will be kept on a short lead and will always be with an adult. If you have any concerns at all please contact the school office and ask to speak to Miss Hook.