Birtley East Community Primary School will welcome a school dog on a weekly basis.   This decision has been made following extensive research and discussion with other schools that have a School Dog.   A full behaviour assessment by a dog behavioural therapist and risk assessment have been completed and we are delighted to be able to welcome her into school.

Vier is a 2-year-old French bulldog who belongs to Mrs Pickersgill. Research has shown the many benefits of having a school dog:

• Dogs teach children about responsibility – by children having to remember to feed and give water to the dog, it can give them a sense of importance and satisfaction that they may not get from other responsibilities.
• Dogs teach children patience – they do not always do as they are told first time!
• Dogs teach children compassion – just like us dogs feel pain and emotion.
• Dogs teach children about socialisation – by the children learning how to interact with a dog, they can better learn how to socialise with other children.
• Dogs are fun – they greet you with a wagging tail every day and put a smile on your face, even on a bad day.

Vier regularly goes to the vet for yearly vaccinations, flea and worm treatments. She will be based in a room in school when she visits which is separate from the classrooms and the children will only be able to interact with her under strict supervision and as long as parental permission has been given. She will initially be in school every Friday afternoon. When she is moving around the school, she will be on a lead and always with an adult. We hope she will be able to support children in school in areas such as phonics, reading, nurture groups and with attendance.

With parental permission, over a period of time, children who are fearful of dogs can be supported in approaching, handling and in gaining confidence in managing their fear. We hope the children will gain a lot of enjoyment from having a school dog and there will be pictures on the website of all that she does.

If you have any individual questions or queries, please do not hesitate to speak to Mrs Pickersgill.