School Dog

Meet Pippa – Our Wonderful School Dog

We are delighted to introduce Pippa, our school dog, who has quickly become an important part of our school community. Pippa is a Golden Retriever, born in November last year, and she has been working in school since she was just 15 weeks old. She is already proving to be incredibly popular with staff, pupils, and parents, greeting everyone with a wagging tail and bringing smiles to all as they arrive at school.

What Does Pippa Do?

Pippa is part of The Dog Mentor Programme, which is designed to enhance pupils’ educational, social, emotional, and therapeutic well-being through targeted interventions. With her calm and friendly nature, she is involved in a variety of activities, including:

Supporting Well-being & Emotional Regulation – Pippa helps to create a calm environment, providing comfort to pupils who may be feeling anxious or upset. Stroking or spending time with her can be a soothing experience that helps pupils manage their emotions.

Encouraging Reading Confidence – Some children feel more comfortable reading aloud to a non-judgmental listener like Pippa, which helps to boost their confidence and reading fluency.

Building Social & Communication Skills – Working with Pippa encourages pupils to develop patience, empathy, and responsibility. She provides a positive focus for discussions around emotions and behaviour.

Enhancing the Learning Environment – Whether it’s helping pupils settle into the school day or being present in lessons to create a relaxed atmosphere, Pippa is a reassuring presence that benefits the whole school.

The Benefits of a School Dog

Research has shown that school dogs can have a profound impact on pupils, improving focus, resilience, and overall well-being. The Dog Mentor Programme, which Pippa is part of, has been recognised by educational experts and institutions like the University of Lincoln for its positive influence on child development. Schools across the UK have reported improvements in pupil engagement, behaviour, and emotional resilience thanks to the presence of trained school dogs.

Keeping Pippa Happy & Safe

Pippa’s well-being is a priority. She has been carefully assessed for her suitability to work in a school environment and is supported by trained staff. She has her own quiet space for rest and relaxation, and interactions with her are always supervised to ensure both she and our pupils remain happy and safe.

We are incredibly proud to have Pippa as part of our school. She has already made such a difference, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to have on our pupils.

The Dog Mentor Programme

The Dog Mentor Risk Register