Following initial trials at the beginning of 2016, Golden Retriever Denzil and his nephew Cosmo (now age 7 and 1.5 respectively) are now an established part of life at Cirencester Deer Park School. Both dogs, owned by two members of staff, are in school at least two days a week and have their own timetables to follow! Their lessons may involve them being Listening Dogs in Year 7 Accelerated Reader classes, being in the Upper or Lower Pastoral Offices providing moral support or comfort to a pupil, enjoying watching our Key Stage 4 Horticulture pupils outside, or being on duty at lunchtimes, playing with pupils on the front field and playground.

Watching pupils grow in confidence around the dogs is something special, whether it is their pride in being able to take the dogs for a walk at break or lunchtime, in building a relationship with a type of animal of which they were previously afraid or caring for them as the dogs are moving around the school site.
 

As Cosmo has grown up over the past year we have been able to increase his timetable, so that more pupils have access to him in lessons. It is very tough to quantify but if you see Cosmo or Denzil in a lesson, you can see the positive impact that they have on pupils in the class: confidence levels rise and anxiety lessens. For our pupils this is great news!

Mrs Lang, Deputy Head

If you have any queries about our School Dogs, please contact our Deputy Head, Mrs Lang.