Dove Bank Dog

We are pleased to welcome Benji to the Dove Bank Team.

Benji is a Goldendoodle and will spend his days visiting the classrooms from across the school. Sometimes he will even help us out by looking after anyone who is feeling a bit sad - a little stroke and a look into those big brown eyes is enough to make anyone feel happy again.

There are many benefits to having a school dog, including:

• having a calming effect on pupils, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
• improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem
• encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children
• fostering a sense of responsibility
• motivating pupils to think and to learn, as most children have a high level of natural interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals
• encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers
• teaching children to nurture and respect life
• helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children, and supporting educational improvement
• helping children build confidence in reading.

While the dog’s main place of residence will be an office area, which is separate from the classrooms, children will able to interact with the dog under strict supervision at certain times of the day. The dog will not be given access to other visitors without supervision or mutual consent. Please understand that we will do everything we can to reassure children who are fearful and that under no circumstances will they be forced to meet with the dog.