betty - our SCHOOL DOG
Why does Hoyle Nursery School have a School Dog?
There is a huge amount of research showing that children benefit from working with a dog alongside their teacher and a school dog can support childrens:
- Empathy and Theory of Mind
- Wellbeing, Relationships and Self-Regulation
- Listening and Attention
- Communication
- Physical Skills
In September, Betty will be trained by the Dog Mentor Programme which has been implemented in over 550 schools all over the UK. This will provide both Betty and the staff the necessary training, guidance and support to embed positive therapeutic interventions in school and create an inclusive environment for all our children, staff and wider community.
What does Betty do each day at school?
Betty is currently getting to know the school, the staff and the children but from October she will be able to:
- Join a group for story time
- Work 1:1 with some of the children
- Help children when they feel sad or anxious
- Help improve attendance and wellbeing
What does Betty like doing?
- She loves coming into Nursery to see the children and the staff
- Betty loves spending time with her family
- She likes snacks. Betty's favourite snacks are chicken, scrambled eggs and strawberries
- She likes playing with toys. Her favourite toys are football, pulling rope and her giraffe
- Betty enjoys playing football on the field with Oliver
- She likes running in the grass and playing in the stream
What special training is Betty having?
Just like our children, Betty has to learn how to behave in school and be a school dog. This year she has enjoyed being in school, getting used to noises and the busy environment with people coming and going. For now, the staff have been able to benefit from her company and the children have been able to see her from a distance and when she has been in the office. Betty is insured to be in school and she has a full Risk Assessment. From October, Betty will be ready to start spending more time with the children.
What happens if you would prefer not to meet Betty?
Betty is a British Bulldog from a Pedigree family and is KC registered. British Bulldogs are loyal, loveable and very calm which makes them a perfect breed for a therapy dog. All families will have a letter with information about Betty and a consent form to sign if they do not wish their child to interact with Betty or whom may have allergies.
If anyone would like any more information about Betty, please speak to Lesley in the School Office as Betty is her family dog.
