Meet Lottie Our Nurture Dog

Lottie is a small Cavapoo known for being hypoallergenic (to reduce the risk of allergy reactions). Lottie's base is in Mrs Chadwick's office but she ventures into classrooms throughout the day and will often join the children for their 5-minute run. If she gets the chance she will dash to participate in P.E. lessons- fielding is her special talent!

The value of animal therapy is known to have multiple benefits to pupil wellbeing and mental health and Lottie certainly supports children in this way. 

Existing UK schools with a therapy dog report:

• Increased pupil attendance by up to 16% (Knockhill Primary Academy)
• Decreased anxiety and improved social interactions in pupils (Kingshill School)
• Benefits to the development of communication and emotional skills of pupils (Bristnall Hall Academy)
• Increased understanding of responsibility and development in empathy in pupils (Sancton Wood School)

The value of having a therapy dog to support with reading in school is widely reported by UK charities as:

• Benefitting pupils who are reluctant to read, unconfident readers and those with additional needs (Therapy Dogs Nationwide)
• Improving reading skills, encouraging positive behaviour and building self-confidence and self- esteem (Bark and Reading)
• Reducing stress and nerves when reading out loud to a group and creating a calming environment to develop confidence (Pets as Therapy)