Teg- our school dog

Meet Tegwen!

We are very lucky to have a school dog as part of our community and who is part of the on-going provision for wellbeing and mental health, as well as helping to create a ‘family feel’ around school.

Tegwen (Teg for short) is 5 years old and is a Golden Labrador who belongs to Mrs Cousins. She is a retired guide dog who is loving retired life. She loves walks, treats and tummy rubs.  She is very good natured and well-tempered, calm and loves cuddles. She has first- hand experience of being around children and adults and will make an excellent school dog.

There are many benefits of having a school dog:

-        A calming effect on pupils, particularly those with anxiety, 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-        Encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children;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;

-        Increasing enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals which will motivate the children to think and learn;

-        Encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationship with each other, parents and teachers;

-        Teaching children to nurture and respect life;

-        Helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children and educational improvements with lower achievers;

-        Helping children build confidence in reading;

-        Helping children who suffer bereavement or who are upset in any way and in need of calm, comfort and space before being able to tell an adult what has upset them.

Tegwen will be involved in school life and will often be seen working with the children. She will support children in school in areas such as reading, nurture groups, with attendance and also being in the quiet areas on the playground at playtimes.

The decision to introduce a school dog was made following extensive research and discussions with other schools that have a school dog.

What will Tegwen do in school?

·        Welcomes the children in the morning

·        Sits and reads with individual children

·        Is a playtime buddy at breaktimes

·        Helps anxious children by walking in with them

·        Cuddles and plays as a treat

·        And lots more!