Politics

Primary school recruits therapy dog to boost pupil wellbeing

A Manchester primary school has recruited a full-time therapy dog to help boost pupils’ self-esteem and wellbeing.

George, a four-year-old chocolate Labrador, has been working at Radcliffe Primary School for three weeks, helping put pupils at ease, solve disputes and act as an incentive for well-behaved pupils, who get to take him out for a walk.

The new recruit belongs to Radcliffe Primary School’s assistant headteacher Rebecca Kenyon, who brings him in to the school every day. He lives in executive headteacher Nicola Nelson’s office while on duty and joins pupils on the playground during break times.

“We read quite a lot of things about how dogs in schools create a calmer atmosphere, and give children an opportunity to take some responsibility that they perhaps might not have in their home life,” explained Kenyon.

“Having George here has helped calm some situations down much quicker. If a child has been upset or fallen out with their friends, he’s been a really good distraction. The children will talk about what happened, almost as if they’re telling George and not us, really. He has had an absolutely brilliant effect already in just a short space of time.”

Since starting in the role, following a full risk-assessment and health and safety checks, the pup has become a local celebrity.

“We made sure he had all his vaccinations and jabs up to date and consulted parents as well to check for any phobias or allergies,” Kenyon added. “He’s been received so positively in school, not just with the children, but with parents and the staff.”

A daily dose of dog isn’t the only strategy the school, which is a member of the Bury College Education Trust, has in place for helping with pupil (and staff) wellbeing: an in-house counsellor is available for pupils and teachers three days a week.

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