Bear and Bess – Our Dog Mentors
Meet Bear and Bess, our fabulous well being dogs! Bear and Bess are siblings and belong to the cavapoochon breed. This charming pair love to play, explore the school and are desperate to begin working with the children!
They are currently undergoing training to help children with their social, emotional and mental well being. When they have completed this, you can expect to find them wandering around the school with a member of staff, helping children regulate their emotions, enjoying story time with the children, encouraging everyone to take physical exercise by doing the daily mile and, of course, helping children who are a little bit nervous around our four legged friends.
Bear
Bear is a laid back pup who loves doing tricks for rewards. When he is not in school, he lives with Mrs Evans and enjoys walks on the beach, playing with other dogs and having cuddles.
Bess
Bess is a sociable character who enjoys meeting new people. When Bess is not in school, she lives with Mrs Child and loves chewing, cuddling and finding sticks.
What are the benefits of having a school well being dog?
- Improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem.
- Encouraging expression, participation and confidence for all children.
- Fostering a sense of responsibility.
- Motivating pupils to think and to learn.
- Developing an enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals.
- Encouraging respect and thereby improving pupils’ relationships with each other, parents and teachers.
- Teaching children to nurture and respect life.
- Helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children.
- Helping children build confidence in reading.
- Improving attendance.
- Helping overcome a fear of dogs.
- Developing the understanding of unconditional love.
- Supporting with the development of cooperative play.
- Supporting children to develop empathy.
- Further promote our Well Being agenda for pupils.
Article 39: Every child has the right to help if they have been hurt, neglected or treated badly.
