Our School Dogs

At Somers Park Primary School, we have a school dog who provides emotional and wellbeing support for the pupils.

The benefits on mental health through being around and stroking friendly dogs are well documented and we are fortunate to have a professionally trained dog, who has a perfect nature to be around children and our school, as part of our school team.

Josie, a golden labrador,  comes into school two or three times a week and is very much a part of the community. She is based across both sites of our school, but predominently the Somers Park site.

Oonagh, a flat coat retriever, comes into the Malvern Vale site on a weekly basis.

A full risk assessment has been undertaken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved.

Learning Outcomes:

• The value of pet therapy is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication.
• Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the wellbeing of children and lower anxiety.
• Therapy dogs will aim to make the environment happier, more enjoyable and less forbidding.

Permissions:

The school community has been informed of the introduction of therapy dogs at Somers Park Primary School. Parents have been provided with the opportunity to make the school aware of any anxieties or allergies their child may have. 

It is accepted that interacting with animals is not appropriate for all children but that for some it may have positive benefits. Any parent who does not wish their child to interact with the dogs is invited to inform school leaders.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Mr Hansen is the designated handler for Josie
• Miss Edkins is the second handler for Josie
• Mrs Birch is the designated handler for Oonagh
• Mrs Evans is the second handler for Oonagh

Dog Status and Context:

• Prior to being in school, both Josie and Oonagh have been professionally trained. Both are calm and obedient and have been risk assessed..
• Josie and Oonagh are well known to the school staff and the pupils of the school.

Review:

The risk assessment is reviewed annually and included within this is and evaluation of the impact that the therapy dogs are having on learning outcomes.