Over the last six months plus we have been discussing the benefit of having a school dog at both the secondary and primary schools. Academic research has shown that dogs working and helping in the school environment can help to achieve the following:
- Improve academic achievement
- Increase literacy skills
- Calming behaviours
- Increase social skills and self-esteem
- Increase confidence
- Teach responsibility and respect to all life
- Help prevent truancy
- Motivate children who are often less attentive
After much research and discussions with primary stakeholders and other SEN schools and colleges who have successfully introduced a dog, we feel ready to make this commitment. I am really pleased to now introduce Simba!

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