BURLEY and Woodhead Primary School has engaged two new members of staff with an interesting pedigree.

Fresh from their training with the Dog Mentor programme, black Labrador Winnie and Golden Bernedoodle, Florrie, have joined the wellbeing team at the school in Sandholme Drive, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

After the school was awarded the Bradford ‘Healthy Minds Platinum Charter Mark’ and ‘Beacon School Status’, the school council has been discussing ways to promote good mental health for all stakeholders within the school community. After learning about the dog mentor scheme, students raised the funds for the programme with an action packed colour run in September.

The Dog Mentor programme is the UK’s premier training programme for dogs in schools and has helped implement the scheme in over 500 schools in the UK, since it began in 2013. The scheme aims to capture how school dogs can positively impact students’ emotional well-being, learning, and behaviour.

Winnie and FlorrieWinnie and Florrie

Florrie, owned by the school’s headteacher, Nina Dobson, and Winnie, owned by the school’s business manager, Victoria Lister, were put through their training alongside school staff, and passed the training programme with flying colours.

Both dogs have become a familiar sight around school, as they are gradually introduced to the sights, smells and sounds of a primary school.

Headteacher Nina Dobson said: “The dog mentor scheme is a part of our wider programme to encourage expression, participation and confidence for all children. We are hoping that Winnie and Florrie will be front and central in helping our work with the most vulnerable children, and will also be a listening ear in helping children build confidence in their reading, and in their relationships. It is wonderful to welcome Florrie and Winne to our staff team and we look forward to their contribution in enhancing our school environment."

Winnie and Florrie

For more information about the Dog Mentor visit: www.thedogmentor.co.uk