City Academy Norwich

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT…

PUPPY LOVE HITS CITY ACADEMY NORWICH

In September, two special students joined City Academy Norwich (CAN)! Ten-week old canine cuties, brothers Bucky and Freddie, trainee Assisted Learning Dogs. Having dogs in school can make a hugely positive impact on students. Not only can they be a sensitive, listening companion, but they can also be that calming influence, used as both a distraction and a source of comfort. They can help develop students’ reading skills, improve behaviour, attendance and academic confidence, as well as increasing student understanding of responsibility, and the development of empathy and nurturing skills. Dogs are being used in therapy around the world, and are recognised as being especially helpful with children who struggle with social, emotional and behavioural issues. Creating a therapeutic bond with Canine Assisted Learning dogs can help many young people to be able to open up, trust others and to make a step to challenge negative thoughts and feelings. Bucky and Freddie have established their presence at CAN and are having a positive impact on students, calming them when they are stressed, and greeting them on arrival in the morning. Freddie lives with Mrs Kitson-Cook, Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo and Alternative Provision), and her family. Bucky lives with Mr Collin, Headteacher, and his family. Both dogs are in school every day, and our students have readily accepted them. Their training to be fully ‘qualified’ Assisted Learning Dogs will take approximately two years, as they have a lot to learn! It’s a combination of independence with their owners, and joint training with specialists from the Canine Assisted Wellbeing Group.