Norfolk headteacher urgers schools to bring therapy dogs into classrooms

Head teacher at Earlham Nursery School, Carole Jacques, has seen an "profound" diffrence in her pupils, since introducing therapy dogs to the school.

The school has welcomed therapy dogs since 2022 and currently have greyhound 'Star' and Golden Retriever 'Nyla'.

Carole says that each year, she sees the difference that they make.

"We had children who were not speaking in school, who now can talk freely"

This came after the students began reading Nyla and Star stories, and telling them about their days.

Gradually, their confidence grew, to a point where they can now communicate with friends and teachers.

Carole also shared how significant therapy dogs have been, in an area of " significant deprivation".

"A significant number of our children have witnessed domestic abuse in the home and have experienced trauma, so having the therapy dogs in school has created an environment where the children can be calm and decompress" She said

"We have worries for over 70% of our children, regarding safe guarding concerns,

So to be able to have them in an environment that is adaptive, and focus on their needs with the therapy dogs, is fundermental."

Carole says she has seen improvements in areas like speech and language development, self regulation and emotional wellbeing.

The school is able to have the dogs visit, through 'Pets As Therapy', an organisation that currently organises over 6,00 visits to schools, hospitals and hospices across the country.