Introduction of Companion Dog Visits
Dear All,
Some of you may be aware that the Department for Education and the Minister for Education have recently been promoting the benefits for children in having a companion pet in school. It is something that we have been considering at Broadstone Hall for a few years, but now we are in a position to introduce a companion dog into school, initially for one day a week, starting with immediate effect.
The value of pet ‘therapy’ is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication. Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of children and lower the rate of anxiety and stress in more vulnerable children, simply by making the environment happier, more enjoyable and less forbidding. Children can all benefit from spending time with a companion dog either, to read to or stroke and studies have shown that such activities lower heart rate and increase the production of endorphins in the body, in other words reducing anxiety and stress.
To learn more please read the full letter on the NEWS item of our website.
Any parent who does not wish their child to interact with the companion dog is invited to contact the school to inform the Headteacher of their wishes.
Regards
Simon Langley
Headteacher