Introducing our school dog, a labrador called Sully, who is a regular attender at The City of Derby Academy.
Sully lives with our academy SENCo, Miss Smith and her family who will care for Sully outside of school. Labradors are a breed of dog that are known for their mild temperament. Dogs are increasingly being used in schools with great success and you may have seen in the media that they are now being used in some hospitals due to the extensive emotional health benefits they bring. As a school we have undertaken a significant amount of research and believe that there are many benefits to having a school dog including:
- A calming effect on pupils.
- Improved behaviour and concentration.
- Reduced stress and improved self-esteem.
- Increased participation and confidence for all pupils.
- Fostering a sense of responsibility.
- Motivating pupils to think and to learn as most pupils have a high level of natural interest in,
enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals. - Encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers.
- Teaching pupils to nurture and respect life.
- Helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable pupils.
- Helping pupils build confidence in reading.
- Improving attendance.
- Further promote our ‘Well Being’ agenda for pupils and staff.
The dog’s main place of residence is an office area, which is secure and separate from the classrooms. Sully spends time within the school community and all students have the opportunity to interact with Sully, if they so wish, as he visits classrooms and moves around the school building. Whilst moving around the school Sully is kept on a short lead and is always with an adult. Please understand that students who are fearful will, under no circumstances, be forced to meet Sully nor will any child be left alone with him.
Pictures and updates of Sully are published via the Headteacher blogs and our social media pages so that everyone can enjoy his development.
The students gain a great deal of enjoyment from having a school dog as he is an established part of life at CoDA. Should you have any queries or questions please do not hesitate to contact Miss Smith.
