Wellbeing
Larry, the Wellbeing Dog
We have a new member of staff joining our school community, Larry the school dog.
Larry is a brown and white Sprocker Spaniel and belongs to Mr Lewis our deputy head.
Mr Lewis has researched and seen the many benefits of having a school dog:
- • Dogs teach children responsibility. Having to remember to feed, provide water and show support for a dog can give children a sense of importance and satisfaction that they can’t get from school or other chores. The relationship that develops can be life changing for a child and a great support system as they themselves continue to grow and develop.
- • Dogs teach children patience. Dogs do not always do as they are told first time!
- • Dogs teach children compassion. Just like humans, dogs feel emotion and pain. They are prone to injuries and the infirmities of age during their relatively short lives.
- • Dogs teach children about socialisation. Like most of us, dogs are social animals who enjoy and need attention and affection. By learning how to interact with a dog, children can learn how to better socialise with other children. If they can learn the social cues of a dog, then interacting with humans who can talk will be a walk in the park (pun intended).
- • Dogs are comforting. Dogs can help to reduce anxiety and calm children/adults who are upset.
- • Dogs are fun. Last, but certainly not least, dogs are a lot of fun. They greet you with a wagging tail every day and can cheer you up even on your worst day.
Larry will grow up in the school environment becoming fully accustomed to the routines of the day and supportive of students within the school. He will be based in Mr Lewis’ Office and The Hub area of the school. Children will only be able to interact with him under strict supervision and when he is moving around the school, he will be on a lead and always with an adult. We hope that he will be able to support children in school in areas such as reading, well-being, attendance and also being in the quiet areas on the playground.
You can read the risk assessment for Larry here: Risk Assessment
