Schoolkids get new best friend
A PRIMARY school has welcomed a four-legged friend onto its register – in the form chocolate labrador George.
Research has shown the benefits of having therapy dogs in schools.
They have been commonplace in schools in the US and Australia for many years and started emerging in UK schools around five years ago.
Now staff at Radcliffe Primary School are hoping he will make a big difference.
During the school day, fouryear-old George, who belongs to assistant head Rebecca Kenyon, will live in executive headteacher Nicola Nelson’s office.
He’ll venture out on the playground in the mornings, and at playtime and lunchtime, so that as many children as possible will have the opportunity to interact with him.
Pupils will also get the chance to take him for short walks around the school grounds, with an adult, and will be able to pop in and see him throughout the day.
Rebecca said: “Evidence indicates that benefits include everything from companionship – with a dog stimulating memory, problem-solving and game-playing – to improving self-esteem.
“Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety.
“He is a fantastic family pet. George has a great temperament and is brilliant around people and children – he’s a big softy.”
Head Nicola Nelson said: “To bring him into school we have conducted a full risk assessment and made sure parents were fully informed well in advance so they had the opportunity to tell us about any allergies or phobias children may have.
“The news of the school dog was very positively received and the children were very excited about him starting. We already have a long list of children who would like to take him out for walks. We are hoping that George will provide our children with a sense of responsibility, while also helping to improve emotional wellbeing – for staff too.”