School Therapy Dog

We would like to introduce you to Saint, our School Therapy Dog.  We are really excited and happy to have her in our School.  Our children will be able to benefit educationally and emotionally, increase their understanding of responsibility and develop empathy and nurturing skills through contact with a dog.

Saint is a 2 and a half year old standard poodle. Standard poodles are a hypoallergenic breed as they have hair rather than fur and they do not shed.

Saint has a very steady temperament and nothing ruffles her. She has worked in another school for the past 18 months and loves meeting people! Her favourite things are fusses and attention and playing endless games of fetch. Saint also has experience of visiting care homes and spending times with the residents.

Saint is in training to become a registered therapy dog and she is making great strides to achieve her accreditation soon. The benefits of having dogs in schools are well documented. As well as having positive impacts on the well-being of pupils and staff, dogs can help children who are feeling dysregulated or upset to feel calmer and children who are less confident readers typically read more fluently to a dog as they don’t anticipate being corrected.

Some fun facts about Saint:

  • Her full name is Saint Ruff Ruff Vanquisher of Squirrel Dragons
  • As standard poodles were originally water retrievers, she has webbed feet but she hates swimming!
  • Her birthday is April 9th

We have developed a risk assessment and a policy which you can find on our Policies page.

Parent Support

At Our Lady of Lourdes, the child is at the centre of everything we do. On our journey through school as we Love, Learn and Grow together we can offer support for not just children but to parents and carers also.

My name is Emma Dean and I am the Inclusion lead in school. My role is to support you and help you by providing advice and information. Together we can discuss any concerns you may have in relation to your child’s education, behaviour or attendance.

I can provide support in a number of ways, including:

  • Offering one-to-one support
  • Supplying information about services in Bury that may help you
  • Providing support at school meetings
  • Offering parenting advice and courses where available
  • Providing support for you in managing your child’s behaviour
  • Offering help in improving your child’s attendance

Providing a free and confidential service to offer support to YOU

Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging job, but there are times when all parents and carers need some support and help. That is when Parent Support Advisers may be able to assist you.

If you require any further information please contact the School Office or contact me directly on the mobile number 07800896262.

Best wishes,

EmmaÂ