Westfield Arts College is one step closer to introducing its therapy dog, who will spend time with pupils and support them with their mental health.

The therapy dog was chosen from a litter of recently born puppies. The idea of having a school therapy dog came from visits to the school by the Pets As Therapy team.

Teacher Alice Dell’Oca will own and train the dog bringing it in to school later in the year to support the students’ learning.

She said “Liz and Rupert Spicer-Short have been bringing their beautiful dogs to Westfield for the best part of 10 years and the list of children waiting to see them is always full.

“I’ve seen children who are reluctant to speak raise their voice in class to call the dogs and boisterous children calm and quieten down just sitting by the dogs.

“I had an idea that I could combine my two passions and consider if it was viable to have and train our own school dog.

“We have to be fully supportive of the needs of the children as well as the puppy – the puppy’s welfare is always paramount.”

By Oliver Streather-Paul