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School Dog letter

Dear Parents and Carers, 

You may be aware that there is a growing movement in many schools to introduce the concept of school pets as a way of teaching all children responsibility and providing a source of pleasure and learning. For several years, we have been discussing the benefits of a school dog for our students. There are several school dogs already in post locally and around the country and we firmly believe that having a school dog can only enhance and extend the students’ opportunities for learning – both academically and socially. 

After the May half-term, we will have a Golden Doodle puppy who will regularly attend the Academy. Golden Doodles are known to be hypoallergenic dogs, holding the qualities of their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents making them well-trainable, caring, sociable dogs.  

What are the benefits of a school dog? 

Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of therapy dogs in schools. Therapy dogs have been working in schools for the past 5 years across the UK. However, they have been commonplace in schools in the USA and Australia for many years. Evidence indicates that benefits include: 

  • Cognitive – companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving and game-playing. Encouraging expression, participation and shared attention. 
  • Social – a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing and focused interaction with others. Encouraging respect and thereby improving students’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-47655600 
  • Emotional – a school dog improves self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety. Improved behaviour, attendance and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem. 
  • Physical – interaction with animals reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, gives motivation to move and stimulates the senses.
  • Environmental – 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. 
  • Helping students build confidence in reading – http://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/feb/28/dogs-listen-to-children-reading  

Of course, bringing any animal into the Academy is not something to be approached lightly, both for the animal’s sake and for the sake of the students and adults in the school. We have taken advice from other Academies, who have school dogs. We have discussed the practicalities, including everything from risk assessments and insurance to dealing with training, dog toileting and students’ allergies. Students will never be left alone with the dog, and they will be taught how to be around a dog before it is in a classroom environment.  

Intended role for the dog at the Academy 

For the first year, the dog will not work directly with any students and there is no expectation for them to interact with the dog, should they choose not to. The dog will spend the first year being in and around the academy, mainly in staff areas to build socialisation. When around the building the dog will always be on a lead and accompanied by a member of staff.   

Our goal for the dog is to become a trained reading dog. Of course, this type of training relies heavily on the dog’s temperament and training, which we will help develop. The dog will be part of approved organisations, and hold the necessary insurance to be in the Academy. He may become part of the Dogs for Good programme or the Dog Mentor programme. It is important to note that no student group will be given the advantage of spending more time with the dog than other students. 

We are very mindful that introducing a dog into the school setting should not be a distraction to the students learning, but for it to enhance our school ethos, and the experiences we offer our students.  

Whilst we are at an early stage in this process, it would be helpful to know whether we have any students who are allergic to dog hair or who have a particular phobia concerning dogs. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you are happy for your child to eventually interact with the dog.  

If you require further information, please request a copy of our School Dog Policy and risk assessment or contact me at the academy [email protected] 

Yours sincerely 

Miss Sian Angell 

Raising Standards Leader