Winston is a very special member of our school community, who joined our team in September 2022.  He belongs to Mrs Nayeb and visits the school daily. Winston is a black labrador retreiver, which are known to be child-friendly, lively, gentle mannered and affectionate, yet sensitive. They are also highly intelligent and respond excellently to training.

Some of the many benefits of having a school dog include the following: 

• Cognitive development – building a companionship with a dog helps children stimulate their memory, problem-solving and game-playing skills. Having a school dog is known to increase enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of animals, which motivates children to think and learn. 

• Social skills – dogs provide a mutual topic for conversation with others, and encourage responsibility, wellbeing and focussed interaction with others. 

• Emotional skills – dogs improve self-esteem, acceptance from others and are known for improving moods. Dogs can also help children develop compassion and respect for other living things and can reduce children’s anxiety. Building respect can improve children’s relationships with each other, parents and teachers and shows them how to nurture and care for another living thing. If any children are suffering from bereavement or are particularly sad, dogs can provide children with comfort and friendship. 

• Physical development – interaction with dogs is known to reduce blood pressure, provide tactile stimulation, assist with pain management and give motivation for children to move and walk. 

• Reading – school dogs are known to help children with their reading and literacy skills, through their calming presence and ability to listen to children read without being judgmental or critical. Children can build their confidence to read aloud to others through having a school dog.  

• School community – having a school dog builds the sense of a family environment and togetherness. 

Further information can be found on our policies page.