Runcorn All Saints CE Primary School

Dexter is up to date with all his immunisations and has a yearly check at the vets.  He is fully insured and a risk assessment has been completed.  His breed is suited to being school dog due to their calm nature and hypo-allergenic hair.  This means that he does not malt.

Click here to view our Dog Policy.

Dexter is a seven year old Lhaso Poo who lives with Mrs Robertson and her family.  A couple of days a week, he comes to school and absolutely loves being around everyone.  

We believe the benefits of a school dog are as follows;

• Developing empathy skills, encouraging respect and therefore improving pupils relationships in school

• Reading dogs are proven to be beneficial in schools for reluctant readers; children who previously felt the pressures of reading aloud and the fear of making mistakes were happily reading to a dog as there was no fear of being corrected in front of peers. The dog provides a safe environment in which mistakes are allowed. Results in these schools have shown that such readers have made progress beyond expectations.

• A calming effect on the SEMH of pupils, especially those with behavioral, social communication or learning disorders

• Encouraging expression, developing emotional literacy and participation in more withdrawn pupils

• Improved behaviour, regulation, attendance and concentration, reduced stress and improved self esteem

• Motivating pupils to think and learn

• Teaching children about nurture and looking after themselves/others

• Enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals

• A calming effect on all pupils and staff and a positive impact on well-being