Coco is our school dog. She is a black and tan Labradoodle and has just starting attending our school since September 2024 at 5 months old. Just like all of our new children, it is taking her a little while to settle in but she is enjoying meeting and getting to know the children and staff. Coco spends a lot of time in my office or the Wellbeing Room with Mrs Sparks. 

Eventually Coco will work with children who are upset in any way and in need of calm, comfort and space before being able to tell an adult what has upset them. At the moment, she spends time with children on a 1:1 and meeting and greeting the children on the gates.

Coco will spend her days visiting the classrooms and listening to readers from across the school. Sometimes she will even help us out by looking after anyone who is feeling a bit sad - a little stroke and a look into those big brown eyes is enough to make anyone feel happy again.

There are many benefits to having a school dog, including:

• a calming effect on children, particularly those with behavioural or learning difficulties
• improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem
• encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children 
• fostering a sense of responsibility
• motivating pupils to think and to learn, as most children 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 children to nurture and respect life
• helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children, and educational improvements with low achievers
• helping children build confidence in reading.

Whilst moving around the school, Coco will be kept on a short lead and will always be with an adult. We have chosen a Labradoodle as the most appropriate breed of dog for the school. The breed has been carefully selected because of its ideal temperament as they are, by nature gentle and friendly creatures.

All parents and staff were consulted about having Coco in school. Over a period of time children who react fearfully to dogs will be supported in approaching, handling and gaining confidence in managing their fear. While Coco’s main place of residence will be in the Headteachers office, which is secure and separate from the classrooms, children will able to interact with the dog under strict supervision. The dog will not be given access to other visitors without supervision or mutual consent. Please understand that we will do everything we can to reassure children who are fearful and that under no circumstances will they be forced to meet with the dog.

Coco enjoys chasing her ball, playing with her toys and doing 'Zoomies' in the Children's Centre Garden! When we leave after school, she is very tired and likes to sleep a lot!