School dogs

Our school dogs, Winnie and Bonnie, alongside regular visits from Shadow the therapy dog (Pets as Therapy charity), play a valuable role in supporting both learning and emotional wellbeing across West SILC. They provide a calm, reassuring presence that helps many of our learners to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety and feel more settled throughout the school day. For some pupils, time with the dogs is used as a positive reward, supporting motivation, resilience and positive behaviour.

Bonnie

These interactions also support the development of confidence and life skills. Pupils who may initially feel unsure are gradually supported to build trust through structured, positive experiences, leading to increased confidence and engagement over time.

Learners are given opportunities to take responsibility for aspects of the dogs’ care, such as taking them into the garden, playing with them and supporting routines. These meaningful, real-life experiences promote independence and self-esteem, with many pupils taking great pride in these roles.

Winnie, Bonnie and Shadow are also integrated into learning through activities such as making treats, following routines and using visual supports (e.g. now and next boards), helping pupils anticipate and prepare for interactions. This supports communication, understanding and emotional regulation.

Overall, the inclusion of therapy and school dogs is an important part of our therapeutic approach, contributing to improved wellbeing, confidence, communication and readiness to learn.