Skully - The School Dog
Meet Skully!
The Dog Mentor Programme has built upon the benefits of the human-animal bond by providing children positive experiences with dogs that can help them educationally, developmentally,
emotionally and socially.
Over the past 8 years, implementation of The Dog Mentor Programme in Primary and Secondary schools across the UK has proven to have significant impact on many children’s lives.
These positive impacts follow the premise that improving communication within schools will improve behaviour.
Skully has successfully completed his Gold Award and now is an accredited Dog Mentor. Leanne Rutter (BH) and Suzy Bryant (GYA) are working closely together to share good practice and develop Skully’s role across both schools for September.
On Wednesday 8th June Skully was on Cardiff Council’s internal comms and social media platforms.
This is the story….
“Dog Mentor Programme Helps Behaviour, Learning and Self-confidence at Cardiff Primary Schools
The Rainbow Federation which consists of Bryn Hafod Primary School and Glan yr Afon Primary School in Llanrumney have welcomed a new addition to the school, who is having a huge impact on the pupils and the staff.
Skully is a 20 month old cockapoo and is the Executive Headteacher's dog, working alongside Learning Support Assistants as part of the Dog Mentor Programme. The scheme is built upon the benefits of the human-animal bond by providing children with positive experiences with dogs that can help them educationally, developmentally, emotionally and socially.
Jenny Duckworth who founded The Dog Mentor Programme has had an amazing impact on the school, helping them to understand how to promote positive behaviour for Skullyas well as directing staff on the best way to use a dog in school.
There are many benefits to having Skully in the Rainbow Federation as he has a calming effect on pupils, including those with behavioural or learning difficulties. Having Skully in the school has improved behaviour and concentration, reduced stress and improved self-esteem for pupils and staff.
The Dog Mentor Programme has been implemented in almost 200 schools across the UK in the last two years. Skully is the first dog in Cardiff to complete The Dog mentor accreditation. There are now more than 220 Dog Mentor dogs working in school every day.
