As we have recently started a new term, I wanted to introduce you to a new member of our school team.

We are delighted to welcome Lexi, an almost 7-year-old Chocolate Labrador to our staff team

We hope that she will become an integral part of our school and play an important part in our commitment to ensuring the social emotional and mental wellbeing needs of all our pupils and staff.

During the summer term we will gradually introduce Lexi to our school and the different sites. We hope that she will then start to spend some of her time in school supporting our wonderful pupils.

I am sure that many of you will be incredibly supportive and enthusiastic about this development and may even have experienced school dogs or therapy dogs in other schools or workplaces. However, we also appreciate that some of you might have concerns, and we want to put your minds at rest if this is the case.

In preparation for Lexis arrival, we have researched other schools who have successfully introduced a school dog into the environment. We will continue to work with them to develop and share best practice.

To answer any questions that you may have we have outlined the benefits and concerns or risks below.

Benefits of having a school dog

Numerous studies highlight the positive impact of school dogs. While they have been common in schools in the USA and Australia for many years, they are increasingly present in UK schools too. Here are some key benefits.

• Social: Dogs encourage responsibility, social skills and empathy in addition to, well-being and focused interaction providing a shared topic for discussion
• Emotional: School dogs boost self-esteem, acceptance, and mood, often bringing laughter and fun. They teach compassion and respect and help relieve anxiety
• Sensory/Physical: Interaction with a dog reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, helps with pain management, and motivates movement.
• Environmental: A dog enhances the sense of a family or nurturing environment, with benefits lasting beyond the school day.
• Reading: Reading to dogs helps children develop confidence in their literacy skills thanks to the calming effect and non-judgmental presence of a dog. This nurturing environment fosters enthusiasm for reading and encourages those children who can read aloud.
• Cognitive: Interaction with a dog encourages communication and language skills, stimulates memory, problem solving and game playing

Concerns that you might have

• Allergies: If your child is allergic to dogs please inform school. We will ensure they do not have contact with Lexi. Interaction with Lexi is voluntary and requires your permission.
• No Dogs Policy: Lexi is an exception to the schools ‘no dogs’ policy. She will be on a lead and always accompanied by an adult. She is fully insured and her interactions with pupils will be checked.
• Fear of Dogs: parents can opt out of 1:1 interaction with Lexi for children who fear dogs. We will work with families to build confidence if desired. Lexi is calm and gentle making her suitable for this role.
• Safety: Lexi will always be under adult supervision and on a lead when moving around the school. A risk assessment and specific policy are in place for her.
• Daily activities: Lexi will support pupils and may be trained to listed to children read.
• Care: Lexi will be well cared for by Julia Coles. She will stay in the office initially and then spend time with pupils in controlled settings. Lexi will have regular vet check-ups and all necessary care.
• Hygiene: Lexi will have a designated toilet area, cleaned appropriately. Children will be taught to wash their hands after interacting with her.

If you have any concerns, please email Head of Provision on your child's site, or with the subject heading ‘School Dog’.

Best wishes

Julia Coles

Acting Head Teacher