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St Francis School

Therapy Dog

 

Meet Maggee, our Therapy Dog.  She is a pure Labrador.  She is owned by Maria Lawrence who runs The Nest, our Forest School provision. The intention of Forest School is for children to develop their learning, social and emotional needs in a nature-rich environment. This includes nurturing respect for living things. We currently have two federation guinea pigs and a therapy dog, Maggee.

 

The key aims for a therapy dog are;

 

  • To support pupils in developing nurture for another living being and facilitate gentleness and kindness for others. 
  • To promote friendship and companionship which can then extend to peer friendships. 
  • To develop a range of personal skills such as: boosting self-esteem; reducing anxiety; and interaction and communication. 
  • To make sensory connections 
  • To support emotional regulation 
  • To promote positive mental health and wellbeing 

 

Maggee lives with Maria and her family, and all vets bills, food and care will be funded by Maria herself. The school pays for necessary liability insurance and therapy training. She comes into school every day and her primary domain with be The Nest classroom and immediate outside space. 

 

There is a comprehensive plan for Maggee’s obedience and socialisation training, a care plan for her and risk assessments for the children in school. 

 

We fully recognise that not all children enjoy being around dogs, and there are children with specific allergies. Any interaction with Maggee is entirely optional. The dog will not be off the lead with children present. 

 

We all love Maggee and are so glad that she is a member of our school community.