Boo the puppy helps pupils at Trafalgar School in Downton

Boo the Labrador, who is just over four months, belongs to headteacher Jonathan Curtis who has been bringing her into school a few days a week.

Her calm demeanour has been used as a way to help pupils, especially those with anxiety.

However, Mr Curtis says it all came about "purely by chance".

A Labrador belonging to one of the school's teaching assistants was expecting a litter of eight puppies and he had mentioned if there was an extra one he would have it as a family pet.

"Low and behold she had an extra one," Mr Curtis said.

"It was just for me really and my family and then someone suggested it was a lovely breed for schools and why not try it as a school dog.

"I brought her in a few times and the children took to her and she was great with them. Everyone fell in love with her."

Pupils sign up to a rota to walk the pup, which is "completely full". Boo is supervised when she is out and about.

She also helps with the reading programme where students read to her as well as being a "great stress reliever" not only for pupils but also staff.

"We are just finding our feet in terms of how we can use her more effectively," adds Mr Curtis.

"She's got the most wonderful temperament and she's been a real hit."

Boo also likes playing football with the children and sitting in on meetings.

Pupils say having Boo helps them overcome anxiety about coming into school and can also be a good distraction from exams and other worries, making them feel calmer. She also cheers them up when they are feeling upset.

The children say they love having her around and look forward to the days when she comes into school.

“It is lovely to have an animal in the building,” said Sarah Burley, the school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator.

“It is knowing that Boo is around and if we have an issue where they might be feeling a bit upset or worried about something Boo helps calm them.

"It is nice to stroke the dog or maybe sit and read to the dog or spend a bit of time with her.”

Mr Curtis says there are no plans to train her officially as a therapy dog but she will help in that kind of capacity at the school. But he is mindful of her wellbeing and making sure she is not too overwhelmed.

He says he has noticed a difference in pupils and staff at the school since she has been coming into school. 

"The school is really calm as it is but I think it is part of the welcoming atmosphere. We consider Trafalgar as a family and a community school and a dog just adds to that family."

Mr Curtis said she is a "great stress reliever" adding: "There is a lot of anxiety particularly coming back post Covid and particularly after the second lockdown. I think she made us all forget about that."

Mrs Burley said: "It's been really exciting intially to have Boo in school. Now we are all a bit calmer and she's come more of a regular feature we are really starting to see the befits in terms of the pleasure she brings everyone and the smiles that you get from people."

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