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Safety tips issued as number of school dogs rises

BBC Poppy is a golden cockapoo who is sitting on a wooden seat, wearing a red collar. She has very muddy paws. BBC
Poppy the school dog greets pupils at the gate, joins lessons and plays with the children at break time

An animal welfare charity has given head teachers tips on how to make sure pupils get along with the growing number of school dogs.

The guidance was issued by The Dogs Trust, which advises against using dogs in schools but said it "is a trend we have seen grow in popularity in the UK".

One of the estimated 600 schools with a classroom canine is Whitefriars Primary Academy in King's Lynn, Norfolk, which said Poppy the cockapoo helped with wellbeing and learning.

Head Mat Tuckwood, who looks after Poppy when the school day ends, said getting her was a big decision, and it was essential to make sure she was the right pet.

What is The Dogs Trust's guidance?

It includes:

  • the dog must be supervised by its owner at all times
  • there should be an area where it can rest undisturbed
  • training is essential before the dog is introduced to a school

The National School Dog Alliance, which also gives school dog advice, said it was important the right breeds were used and that they were properly trained.

Its chair, Dr Helen Lewis, had tracked the numbers of dogs in schools and said there were now more than 600.

She said while school dogs could provide emotional support, they could also pose practical risks to children who had allergies or were scared them.

Dr Lewis added schools also needed to be aware of the impact a school dog would have on insurance.

Head teacher Mat Tuckwood stands next to Poppy the cockapoo. He is wearing navy trousers and a navy fleece with a light blue shirt under it. He wears glasses and is very tall.
Mat Tuckwood said the school "struck gold" when it got Poppy

Mr Tuckwood said pupils with behavioural issues who had spent time with Poppy had less anxiety and improved attendance.

He added: "I would have liked a bigger dog personally, but for [some of] our children who are only four, she's the perfect size.

"Some of our children have allergies so we went for the cockapoo because they don't shed."

Poppy had a trainer who worked with her at the school and at Mr Tuckwood's home to make sure she was prepared.

He said: "She's very astute at knowing who needs support and help. Some of our children experience trauma or issues at home, or they're just having a bad day.

"Poppy picks up on that, I don't know how. It's just that sixth sense that she has and she will go and comfort those children."

Poppy the golden cockapoo dog sits in the middle of Phoebe who is 8 and Leo who is 11. They are both wearing school uniforms. Phoebe has a grey skirt, white polo shirt and navy cardigan. Leo is wearing a navy hoody and grey shorts.
Phoebe and Leo both say Poppy is a brilliant member of the school community

Leo, 11, said: "Last year, I was quite angry quite a lot and I'd come to Mr Tuckwood's office and she'd calm me down. She'll jump on my lap and I'd just stroke her."

Pheobe, 8, said: "Poppy is very cute so she always keeps everyone really happy."

Eleven-year-old Betsy, 10-year-old Kayla, Poppy the dog, and 11-year-old Henry sit on a block covered with artificial grass. Kayla is leaning towards Poppy and Henry has an arm around the dog's neck.
Betsy, Kayla and Henry said Poppy was very well behaved and never barked

Eleven-year-old Henry said: "She helps with people who have got sensory issues. She's a lovely dog and when you are upset she can come and give you some cuddles and help you to relax."

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