We are absolutely delighted to introduce Basil, our first ever school dog. The children have been aware that Basil would be joining us and have been so excited and finally, today, he came into school. 
Staff, parents, visitors and children have had the pleasure of seeing Basil either in Mrs Flynn’s office or watching him being taken on short walks at the front of the school.
Basil is in training and was very carefully chosen from an experienced breeder who uses his parents as therapy and support dogs. There is a growing movement in many schools to introduce the concept of school pets as a way of teaching all children responsibility and providing a source of pleasure and learning. 
Evidence indicates that benefits include reducing anxiety, improving wellbeing and self-esteem, alongside supporting pupils to build confidence in learning.
The aim is to train Basil over the next 18 months with an approved organisation to be able to work as a school dog in the longer term. In the short term, Basil may be in school for short periods of time so that he can used to the sights and sounds of the school environment. He will only be in staff areas with a member of staff and for a long while will not be working with any pupils.