Barney and Autumn- Our Emotional Support Dogs

Barney is our lovely wellbeing dog who is working in our school as part of an ongoing provision for well being and mental health. Barney lives with Sue Potter our wellbeing mentor and comes into school every day to be alongside the children.

Autumn is a lovely Toy Poodle. She was born on the 1st September 2024. Autumn lives with Kiel and has started coming into school. She is getting used to her surroundings and loves being tickled under her chin. She makes many people smile as they come into our school and loves being walked into class!

How has the school planned for Barney and Autumn?

A full risk assessment and policy has been written.
Consent has been sought from all children through Arbor.
All contact with Barney and Autumn will be carefully planned and children will not be left unsupervised with the dogs.
When not working, Barney will be based in the Nurture Room and Autumn will be based in the Headteacher's office.
Autumn is still in her early days and so might not be around as much as Barney.

What about allergies?

All areas in school are vacuumed and surfaces are wiped down daily.
Movement around the school will be controlled.
Any child working with Barney and Autumn will wash their hands afterwards.
Barney is a Poochon and Autumn is a Toy poodle. Both breeds are hypoallergenic.

What are the benefits of a school dog?
In summary academic research has shown that dogs working and helping in the
school environment can achieve the following:

Improve academic achievement
Increase literacy skills
Calming behaviours
Increase social skills and self esteem
Increase confidence
Teach responsibility and respect to all life
Help prevent truancy
Motivate children who are often less attentive.

Barney and Autumn's Timetable

7.30-8.30	I am in breakfast club welcoming in the early children and having my toast for breakfast with the children.
8.30-9.00	Barney likes to be in the playground to say hello to everyone and help the children struggle to come into school. Autumn will be on the school gate.
9.00-9.10	Barney has a little comfort break sometimes the children walk him on the field . Autumn is around across the morning to offer support to children.
9.10-10.30	Barney helps with the children who visit the Nurture room for their weekly sessions
10.30-10.45	Barney has a break and a snooze in the Nurture room
10.45-12.00	Barney helps with the children who need some emotional support and I love the hugs and treats they give me
12.00-1.00	Both dogs have some rest time during lunch time as it can get a little noisy.
1.00-1.30	Barney goes for a walk outside school sometimes a child will come with me and Sue.
1.30-2.45	Barney and Autumn support some children either in class or during their lessons
3.15	Home time and sometimes I Barney stays for after school club and have fun with the children in the sports hall.