DOG THERAPY

Exciting News Coming Soon! 🐾

We are delighted to share that we are currently coordinating with PAT (Pets As Therapy) to welcome a new therapy dog to our SEN school this term.

Therapy dogs can provide valuable emotional support, help build confidence, and contribute positively to pupils' wellbeing and engagement in school life. We are very excited about this new development and look forward to introducing our newest four-legged team member.

More information, including updates on the dog's role and introduction to the school community, will be shared soon. Watch this space

Why Have a Wellbeing Dog in School?

Research has shown that therapy and reading dogs provide many benefits in school settings, supporting children’s emotional well-being, confidence, and learning.

Having a school dog has been proven to:
✔ Support reading development, improving fluency and confidence.
✔ Encourage positive behaviour, attendance, and academic engagement.
✔ Teach responsibility, empathy, and nurturing skills.
✔ Provide comfort and emotional regulation for anxious or distressed children.
✔ Increase motivation and participation in learning.

At Bishopswood School, a therapy dog is a valuable addition to our therapeutic support offer, particularly for children who may struggle with talking therapies.

The Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs)

Working with a therapy dog has been shown to:
✔ Help develop social skills, self-esteem, and interpersonal awareness.
✔ Reduce anxiety, leading to better focus and learning outcomes.
✔ Support emotional regulation by calming the autonomic nervous system.
✔ Improve confidence and engagement in school life.
✔ Foster trust and positive relationships with peers and teachers.