Mr Cookie
Mr Cookie is a fully-fledged member of the Thomasson Family.
All about Cookie
Cookie is a chocolate Labrador. He began coming into school when he was just a few months old to get used to our building, staff and most importantly our children. Now he is older he ‘works’ with individual, groups and whole classes. Miss Hamer is trained to work with Cookie.
What are the benefits of a school dog?
We believe the benefits of a school dog are as follows:
- Developing empathy skills, encouraging respect and therefore improving pupil’s relationships in school
- A calming effect on the pupils who display SEMH difficulties
- Encouraging expression, developing emotional literacy and participation in more withdrawn pupils
- Developing communication and language
- 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 positive impact on well-being for both staff and pupils
Why are we having a school dog when there is a rule stating no dogs are allowed on school premises?
Cookie is fully insured to be on the school premises. He has also had substantial risk assessments in place and is temperament assessed to be safe in school.
Other dogs are still not permitted to be on the school premises at any time.
We understand that this may be a question many parents/carers have but we hope that you can understand and support us with this.