Bean, our school dog
As a forward thinking school and one which places equal emphasis on IQ (intellectual development) and EQ (emotional development), when the prospect of having a school dog arose, we knew that it was the right thing to do!
We have a past pupil to thank - it was because of her persuasive letter to Mr Mark and I that we first considered having a school dog. The more that we explored the benefits of a having a school dog, the more it made sense to us. When children (and adults) are stressed, upset or angry, a dog can have such a calming effect. Children who are reluctant to separate from their main carer gain emotional support from stroking and cuddling a dog. Our children also enjoy reading to Bean - someone who listens patiently, even if they struggle over a word or two!
Bean is a gorgeous yellow Labrador who joined our school in October 2018 when she was an eight week old puppy. She is extremely well trained and very gentle. She is based in one of the offices, but is frequently borrowed at break time and sometimes wanders around school; she goes along to school functions too!
