School pup has amazing effect on students

A new school pup is having an incredible effect on students and staff – only weeks after joining the academy.

Buddy the four-month-old cocker spaniel joined Priory Community School Academy only weeks ago but has already helped dozens of students with emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Students who struggle with the classroom have been helped by spending one-on-one time with Buddy, and he has helped to calm the anxiety of multiple students.

He is now in training to become a full-time Pets for Therapy dog.

Reports back show the incredible impact Buddy is having on students, and students and parents are giving excellent feedback to his help in their education and overcoming barriers to learning.

PCSA is an excellent academy with wide-ranging extra curricular activities and systems in place to help students who are struggling. Jeffrey the King Charles Spaniel is the dog based at The Priory Learning Trust which oversees PCSA.

Head of Year 11 Tabitha Sandy, who looks after Buddy, said: “He has had a tremendous effect already and is much loved by students and staff.

“He has been spending time with some of our vulnerable students and helping with their emotional well being.

“In return they are teaching Buddy to be gentle, calm and to enjoy being around people.

“Buddy will start his training towards being a PAT dog at around 8 months old. Until then he is enjoying being a puppy and learning tricks such as sit, paw, lie down and roll over.”