Our School Dogs
Barra and Skye
Holmes Chapel Primary School’s visiting School Dogs ‘Barra’ and ‘Skye’ live with our KS2 Assistant Head, Mrs Waddington and her family. Barra is a well-behaved dog who has the right temperament for being a real asset to HCPS as he is calm. Skye started visiting the school from a very young puppy and has been very well socialised because of this.
Both dogs are Labrador retrievers, a breed well-renowned for their gentle and obedient temperament. When they are young, both attend puppy classes and then working gundog classes where they excel. During the summer, Skye will take part in working tests (using dummies). In the beginning, it will be puppy tests. Barra is now retired.
Barra and Skye have public liability insurance, this means they can come into school. Both dogs regularly visits the vet for check-ups and booster vaccinations. They are regularly wormed and treated for fleas under the direction of a local vetinary team.
In addition to the 5 key reasons for the dogs joining us outlined in the purpose, we also believe they are a great asset in supporting and helping to improve children’s mental health.The children around school are always so pleased to see them.
The Purpose of school dogs
1.Dogs teach children responsibility. Having to remember to feed, provide water and show support for a dog can give children a sense of importance and satisfaction that they may not get from school or other responsibilities. The relationship that develops can be life-changing for a child and a great support system as they themselves continue to grow and develop.
2.Dogs teach children patience. Dogs do not always do as they are told first time!
3.Dogs teach children compassion. Just like humans, dogs feel emotion and pain. They are prone to injuries and the infirmities of age during their relatively short lives.
4.Dogs teach children about socialisation. Like most of us, dogs are social animals who enjoy and need attention and affection. By learning how to interact with a dog, children can learn how to better socialise with other children. If they can learn the social cues of a dog, then interacting with humans who can talk will be a walk in the park (pun intended).
5.Dogs are fun. Last, but certainly not least, dogs are a lot of fun. They greet you with a wagging tail every day and can cheer you up even on your worst day.
“Dogs are a powerfully cost-effective way of helping children feel more secure at school and a low-tech approach to reducing anxiety”. Sir Anthony Seldon (Vice Chancellor University of Buckingham).
See our School Dog Risk Assessment below.
