___________________ Animal Assisted Intervention
Since September 2020, Riverside Bridge School has integrated a dog as part of their ongoing school life. and we believe that the benefits of having dogs in a school setting outweigh the possible risk as pupils will benefit educationally and emotionally, increase their understanding of responsibility and develop empathy and nurturing skills through contact with a dog as well as take great enjoyment from interaction with a dog.
Is there a risk in bringing a dog into a school environment?
Yes, there is, though there are a variety of accidents, which can happen within the school environment which far exceed the number of injuries or incidents caused by a dog. Therefore, it is just another risk that needs to be managed and we have carried out thorough risk assessments.
Academic research has shown that dogs working and helping in the school environment can achieve the following:
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improve academic achievement
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increase literacy skills
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calming behaviours
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increase social skills and self-esteem
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increase confidence
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teach responsibility and respect to all life
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help prevent truancy
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motivate children who are often less attentive
