Millie is our School Dog. She is a red Cavapoo who lives with our Headteacher, Sean, but will come into school too. She has been attending Mill Green since she was 13 weeks old, undergoing socialisation visits so she gets used to the people, sights, smells and sounds of our school!

The goal is for Millie to undergo training to become a certified Therapy and Reading dog, working with young people across school. Research shows that young people can benefit educationally and emotionally, increase their understanding of responsibility and develop empathy and nurturing skills, through contact with a suitable, calm dog.

In addition to these benefits, young people take great enjoyment from interactions with animals. By having a school dog we want to encourage those young people who are less enthusiastic about being at school to have something to look forward to.

The breed of Cavapoo has been carefully selected as suitable for this type of dog for working in a special school environment. Millie is well cared for and responsibly owned by Sean.

What are the benefits of having a School Dog?

Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of dogs in schools. Dogs have been working in schools for a number of years in Primary, Secondary and Special settings across the UK with several integrated very successfully in local St Helens schools. We have had visits from our Pets As Therapy dog, Daphne for the past two years and the impact on young people who have had the opportunity to work with her has been very positive. Dogs have been commonplace in schools in other countries for many years.

Evidence shows that benefits for school dogs in the following areas:

Cognitive – companionship with a dog stimulates memory, problem-solving and game-playing. Reading to a dog can be very beneficial as dogs give unconditional acceptance and are non-judgmental. Dogs make amazing listeners – they love to be read to as well!

Social – a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility, wellbeing and focused interaction with others. Attendance for some young people has improved because of a school dog.

Emotional – a school dog improves self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Dogs can also teach empathy, compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety. This has been known to reduce the incidences of aggressive behaviour in young people with additional and complex needs.

Physical – interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation to move, walk and stimulates the senses.

Environmental – a dog in a school increases the sense of a family environment, with all of the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.

All costs associated with Millie will be covered personally by her owner; there will be no burden on the school budget other than those around CPD and certification.

Millie is a Cavapoo, chosen for her mild temperament, friendliness and non-moulting coat.

Cavapoo Characteristics

• A small dog
• Completely people-oriented
• Is intelligent; they are easily trained and adaptable
• An affectionate, kind, friendly dog
• Is good with children and young people

Some Concerns You Might Have

Our school does have a ‘no dogs’ policy – however Millie will be the school dog and will be in school for a specific purpose. She will be on a lead at all times when moving around the school property and will always be accompanied by an adult. Millie will also be fully insured to carry out his role thus allowing her to be on the school site.

Some children may have had upsetting experiences and thus have a fear of dogs (or another animal). Millie is calm and gentle around children and young people; she has a very loving and gentle nature. As she is being brought into the school from a puppy, the young people will be able to watch her grow and develop and the young people’s confidence in being around her can increase over time.

Experience and research have shown that, with proper guidance and handling, children and young people can learn to overcome their fear of animals and grow in respect and appreciation for them.

It is understandable that some of you may be concerned about possible allergic reactions to a school dog. The Cavapoo breed is known to be hypo-allergenic. Millie will be subjected to a thorough cleanliness and grooming regime. Parents who are concerned, are able to do so via the school office or by completing the following form. This can also be used to make the school aware if their child has a dogallergy.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Millie to the Mill Green family and embrace all that she has to offer the school. If you do not want your child to interact directly with Millie then please put this in writing to the school.

Further information can be found in our School Dog Policy.