We believe that interacting with animals can lead to exciting and stimulating learning for children. Interacting with animals helps to instil a sense of responsibility and respect for life.  Moreover, being responsible for an animal can develop increased sensitivity and awareness of the feelings and needs of others: animals and humans.  Through caring for animals, children and young people learn that all living things need more than just food and water for survival.  Children and young people will see directly how their behaviour and actions affect others. 

The school dog helps to develop our children and young people’s ability to make real life connections with animals which enhances their learning across the curriculum. Our school dog follows a timetable of activities and interactions to benefit children and young people. Decisions as to where and with whom the school dog will interact, will be made alongside parents and teachers and will have set goals. 

There will be a mixture of whole class sessions (held in the classroom), small group and individual sessions (held outside classroom). 

The reason for us getting a school dog relate to research which shows that children can benefit from regular interaction with animals. Benefits include: 

· Emotional regulation 

· Physical and mental wellbeing 

· Self confidence 

· Increased understanding of responsibility 

· Development of empathy 

The school dog supports children with the following areas: 

· Petting for calming and mental health 

· Physical for motivating exercise  

· Communication 

· Empathy and caring for an animal 

· Learning to be around animals (well-being)