School’s latest staff member is just paw-some
MEET the latest recruit at a Northumberland primary school who is proving to be an instant hit with pupils and staff.
With four paws and a waggy tail, Mac the cockapoo is the most unique staff member to arrive at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in Bedlington.
He belongs to headteacher Therese Worrall and has been getting to know pupils by visiting classrooms and assemblies.
And since starting at the school in September, his loving nature and puppy antics have already won the hearts of pupils, as well as taught them some valuable lessons.
Mrs Worrall said: “Mac has visited classrooms to familiarise himself with them and has been present during assemblies – one time he decided to leave the hall and explore alone.
“He returned with a paper towel in his mouth.
“The children found this very funny but it was turned into a teaching point. They were able to see that perhaps a room in school was not as tidy as it could have been.”
Once Mac has become used to the school environment, it is planned he will be able to be present during oneto-one school counsellor sessions and spend time with groups of children or individual pupils.
Mrs Worrall said following a time of research it was decided having a school dog would benefit the pupils.
She said speaking with headteachers at other schools in Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, which St Bede’s is part of, had given insight into the positives of having a canine friend in the classroom.
She added: “Mac began at St Bede’s in September and was instantly a hit.
“When the children enter the school ground in the morning they greet Mac and he in turn enjoys the ‘Morning Mac’ calls.
“When the children have been dropped off by parents they then have their time with Mac on their way out.
“It is not just the children who are benefitting from him being in. The staff light up when they arrive in school and Mac greets them. Some staff now forget to say good morning to each other as they are too busy with Mac. It is a wonderful sight to see.”
Mac was chosen because of the loving and friendly nature of the cockapoo breed, which is a crossbreed between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.
They also shed little hair, meaning people with allergies are rarely affected.
There have been plans in place for gradual introductions for children, parents and staff who are unsure of dogs.
And Mrs Worrall said one particular child has made “great steps” in becoming more confident around Mac.
Parents have welcomed the new addition to the school, with positive comments such as it means school is like a “home from home” and it helps the children to feel calm.
One parent said: “It an absolutely fantastic idea as I think it will help with some child’s emotions and anxiety.”