Our School Dog, Ada

Rationale for a School Dog

1. Emotional and Mental Health Support Research has shown that interaction with animals, especially dogs, can reduce anxiety and stress in children. The presence of a school dog could provide a calming influence for students, particularly those who may struggle with anxiety, behavioral issues, or other emotional challenges. The school dog could offer a non-judgmental presence, allowing children to feel more secure, especially in moments of distress. 

2. Promoting a Positive School Environment The school dog can contribute to a more positive and nurturing atmosphere, fostering compassion, empathy, and a sense of community. Many children may develop social skills, including empathy and responsibility, through their interactions with the dog. Studies have shown that a pet-friendly environment can enhance students' mood, encourage positive behaviour, and reduce incidents of bullying and disruptive behaviour.

3. Educational Benefits Incorporating the school dog into various aspects of the curriculum, such as reading programs or personal, social, and health education (PSHE) lessons, can have significant educational advantages. Reading aloud to a dog in particular has been shown to boost reading confidence and engagement, especially for students who are hesitant or have difficulty reading. The dog could also participate in "reward systems," encouraging children to reach goals in return for spending time with the dog. 

4. Physical Health Benefits Interaction with the school dog can encourage children to become more active. Pupils can be involved in walking and caring for the dog, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, encourages physical activity, and teaches the importance of routine and responsibility.

5. Support for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) Students with SEN often benefit greatly from animal-assisted therapies. A school dog can provide comfort and support, especially for students who may struggle with communication or social interaction. The presence of a calm, friendly dog could help them develop confidence and focus on learning tasks.

6. Encouraging Responsibility and Care A school dog can be an effective tool for teaching responsibility. Pupils can participate in caring for the dog by feeding, grooming, and ensuring it is comfortable. This offers an opportunity to develop life skills and a sense of ownership.

7. Enhancing Staff Well-being Staff well-being is crucial to maintaining a positive, productive school environment. The teaching profession is known to be demanding, with increasing pressures leading to higher levels of stress and burnout. A school dog can serve as a source of emotional support for staff, offering a moment of relaxation and mental reprieve during the school day. Research suggests that spending time with animals can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and boost overall mood. By having a school dog, staff can experience moments of relief and comfort, contributing to better workplace morale and reducing stress.

Meet Ada

Ada is a particularly small, miniature labradoodle, a mixture of a Labrador and a Poodle. Ada was brought specifically to be a school dog; she was brought from a reputable breeder and is hypoallergenic to minimise any allergies to her. Ada is 7 years old and has been a school dog since she was a tiny puppy, the children in her first school even choose her name! Ada currently works at a pupil referral unit in Gloucester and is used to working with children with SEND needs, particularly Autism and ADHD. Ada is an integral part of the unit and often helps to regulate children’s emotions, support learning and most importantly, support their well-being.

Ada belongs to Miss Coole and lives in her family home with their six-year daughter; she is used to having lots of children around the home. She is particularly fond of balls, treats, cuddles and squirrels!

Our School Dog, Ada

Rationale for a School Dog

1. Emotional and Mental Health Support Research has shown that interaction with animals, especially dogs, can reduce anxiety and stress in children. The presence of a school dog could provide a calming influence for students, particularly those who may struggle with anxiety, behavioral issues, or other emotional challenges. The school dog could offer a non-judgmental presence, allowing children to feel more secure, especially in moments of distress. 

2. Promoting a Positive School Environment The school dog can contribute to a more positive and nurturing atmosphere, fostering compassion, empathy, and a sense of community. Many children may develop social skills, including empathy and responsibility, through their interactions with the dog. Studies have shown that a pet-friendly environment can enhance students' mood, encourage positive behaviour, and reduce incidents of bullying and disruptive behaviour.

3. Educational Benefits Incorporating the school dog into various aspects of the curriculum, such as reading programs or personal, social, and health education (PSHE) lessons, can have significant educational advantages. Reading aloud to a dog in particular has been shown to boost reading confidence and engagement, especially for students who are hesitant or have difficulty reading. The dog could also participate in "reward systems," encouraging children to reach goals in return for spending time with the dog. 

4. Physical Health Benefits Interaction with the school dog can encourage children to become more active. Pupils can be involved in walking and caring for the dog, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, encourages physical activity, and teaches the importance of routine and responsibility.

5. Support for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) Students with SEN often benefit greatly from animal-assisted therapies. A school dog can provide comfort and support, especially for students who may struggle with communication or social interaction. The presence of a calm, friendly dog could help them develop confidence and focus on learning tasks.

6. Encouraging Responsibility and Care A school dog can be an effective tool for teaching responsibility. Pupils can participate in caring for the dog by feeding, grooming, and ensuring it is comfortable. This offers an opportunity to develop life skills and a sense of ownership.

7. Enhancing Staff Well-being Staff well-being is crucial to maintaining a positive, productive school environment. The teaching profession is known to be demanding, with increasing pressures leading to higher levels of stress and burnout. A school dog can serve as a source of emotional support for staff, offering a moment of relaxation and mental reprieve during the school day. Research suggests that spending time with animals can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and boost overall mood. By having a school dog, staff can experience moments of relief and comfort, contributing to better workplace morale and reducing stress.

Meet Ada

Ada is a particularly small, miniature labradoodle, a mixture of a Labrador and a Poodle. Ada was brought specifically to be a school dog; she was brought from a reputable breeder and is hypoallergenic to minimise any allergies to her. Ada is 7 years old and has been a school dog since she was a tiny puppy, the children in her first school even choose her name! Ada currently works at a pupil referral unit in Gloucester and is used to working with children with SEND needs, particularly Autism and ADHD. Ada is an integral part of the unit and often helps to regulate children’s emotions, support learning and most importantly, support their well-being.

Ada belongs to Miss Coole and lives in her family home with their six-year daughter; she is used to having lots of children around the home. She is particularly fond of balls, treats, cuddles and squirrels!

Our School Dog, Ada

Rationale for a School Dog

1. Emotional and Mental Health Support Research has shown that interaction with animals, especially dogs, can reduce anxiety and stress in children. The presence of a school dog could provide a calming influence for students, particularly those who may struggle with anxiety, behavioral issues, or other emotional challenges. The school dog could offer a non-judgmental presence, allowing children to feel more secure, especially in moments of distress. 

2. Promoting a Positive School Environment The school dog can contribute to a more positive and nurturing atmosphere, fostering compassion, empathy, and a sense of community. Many children may develop social skills, including empathy and responsibility, through their interactions with the dog. Studies have shown that a pet-friendly environment can enhance students' mood, encourage positive behaviour, and reduce incidents of bullying and disruptive behaviour.

3. Educational Benefits Incorporating the school dog into various aspects of the curriculum, such as reading programs or personal, social, and health education (PSHE) lessons, can have significant educational advantages. Reading aloud to a dog in particular has been shown to boost reading confidence and engagement, especially for students who are hesitant or have difficulty reading. The dog could also participate in "reward systems," encouraging children to reach goals in return for spending time with the dog. 

4. Physical Health Benefits Interaction with the school dog can encourage children to become more active. Pupils can be involved in walking and caring for the dog, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, encourages physical activity, and teaches the importance of routine and responsibility.

5. Support for Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) Students with SEN often benefit greatly from animal-assisted therapies. A school dog can provide comfort and support, especially for students who may struggle with communication or social interaction. The presence of a calm, friendly dog could help them develop confidence and focus on learning tasks.

6. Encouraging Responsibility and Care A school dog can be an effective tool for teaching responsibility. Pupils can participate in caring for the dog by feeding, grooming, and ensuring it is comfortable. This offers an opportunity to develop life skills and a sense of ownership.

7. Enhancing Staff Well-being Staff well-being is crucial to maintaining a positive, productive school environment. The teaching profession is known to be demanding, with increasing pressures leading to higher levels of stress and burnout. A school dog can serve as a source of emotional support for staff, offering a moment of relaxation and mental reprieve during the school day. Research suggests that spending time with animals can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and boost overall mood. By having a school dog, staff can experience moments of relief and comfort, contributing to better workplace morale and reducing stress.

Meet Ada

Ada is a particularly small, miniature labradoodle, a mixture of a Labrador and a Poodle. Ada was brought specifically to be a school dog; she was brought from a reputable breeder and is hypoallergenic to minimise any allergies to her. Ada is 7 years old and has been a school dog since she was a tiny puppy, the children in her first school even choose her name! Ada currently works at a pupil referral unit in Gloucester and is used to working with children with SEND needs, particularly Autism and ADHD. Ada is an integral part of the unit and often helps to regulate children’s emotions, support learning and most importantly, support their well-being.

Ada belongs to Miss Coole and lives in her family home with their six-year daughter; she is used to having lots of children around the home. She is particularly fond of balls, treats, cuddles and squirrels!