Why do we have a school dog?

Here at Alumwell Junior School we have found the following benefits to having our school dog.

• A greater enjoyment of being in the school environment, improved attendance and a greater willingness to learn and participate.

• Improved behaviour, social interaction and sense of responsibility in the classroom.

• A sense of responsibility for dog walkers in school.

• Increased knowledge of dogs and how to behave safely and appropriately around them.

• A better understanding of how to take responsibility for another living being. This, potentially, gives them better recognition of their own responsibilities.

• A range of individual benefits, with personal goals. For example learning English as an additional language, talking to the dogs, improved reading, practising by reading to the dogs.

• Pastoral support for children who find some of the busier times of day challenging.

• Improvements in the way students interact with each other and with members of staff.

• The presence of the dog in the classroom, around the school and in the staff room has a beneficial effect on students and staff.

• Members of the school have a ‘shared interest’. This encourages everyone to communicate, which has a positive impact on communication and relationships around the school.