With Sir Antony Seldon (Vice Chancellor of Buckingham University, educationalist and political author) referencing the benefits of school dogs, and Damian Hinds, former Secretary of State for Education, recognising their role in helping children’s mental health and wellbeing, we took the decision to have a dog working in our school.
In recent years it has become increasingly common for schools to have a school dog, but ‘Why?’ I hear you ask! There are a lot of articles about the many benefits of having a dog in school, from increasing children’s understanding of responsibility to supporting children with managing their feelings and behaviour. Alongside the impact of a school dog on pupils, research also suggests that interactions with a dog can have benefits for staff too. Research shows that interacting with a dog can moderate stress by reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and other observable supportive signs of anxiety in people of all ages (Katcher, Friedmann, Beck, & Lynch, 1983).
Though the studies are small, the benefits are impressive enough that even clinical settings are opening their doors to animal-assisted interventions – pet therapy, in other words–used alongside conventional medicine. For example, “It used to be one of the great no-no’s to think of an animal in a hospital,” says Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, citing the fear of causing infection. “Now, I don’t know of any major children’s hospital (in America) that doesn’t have at least some kind of animal program.”
The rise of animal therapy is backed by increasingly serious science showing that social support – a proven antidote to anxiety and loneliness – can come on four legs, not just two. Animals of many types can help calm stress, fear and anxiety in young children, the elderly and everyone in between.
Our approach to our school dog
After a great deal of research, the Prep engaged with a training company to assist in getting our newest member of staff ready for school. Canine Assisted Learning believes that a dog should only be working with a child, in an educational environment, if it has been trained, assessed and certified to do so.
Our school dog, Lola, is a golden retriever and owned by me. Lola has undergone a rigorous assessment to ascertain her suitability and came out with top marks! There are several trained handlers on the staff and both they and Lola will continue to receive training, in addition to termly visits from the trainer/assessor for Canine Assisted Learning to ensure that the highest standards are met. A full risk assessment has been completed and will be reviewed regularly to ensure all members of our community remain safe, including Lola.
We are aware that some people are allergic to dogs, so all of the children who touch Lola or work with her are required to use a lint roller before returning to class and they wash their hands.
We are also aware that some people can be afraid of dogs and we certainly do not want to cause additional anxiety. If a child is anxious around dogs they can avoid Lola or they could choose to have some time with her (controlled) in order to try to help them with their anxiety.
Lola has added much to our school community in terms of helping with wellbeing.
Mrs Childs, Head of Ipswich Prep School
