Our School Dog

We would like to introduce to you a very special member of our team - Pippa - our school dog!

You can keep track of what Pippa has been up to in school by following her Instagram page - pippa_of_new_moston_primary

All about Pippa

Pippa is a cocker spaniel cross puppy- a cockapoo (more information below). She began coming into school when she was just a few months old to get used to our building, staff and most importantly our children! :)

Now she is older she 'works' with individual, groups and whole classes of children.

What are the benefits of a school dog?

We believe the benefits of a school dog are as follows;

Developing empathy skills, encouraging respect and therefore improving pupils relationships in school
Reading dogs are proven to be beneficial in schools for reluctant readers; children who previously felt the pressures of reading aloud and the fear of making mistakes were happily reading to a dog as there was no fear of being corrected in front of peers. The dog provides a safe environment in which mistakes are allowed. Results in these schools have shown that such readers have made progress beyond expectations.
A calming effect on the SEMH of pupils, especially those with behavioral, social communication or learning disorders
Encouraging expression, developing emotional literacy and participation in more withdrawn pupils
Improved behaviour, regulation, attendance and concentration, reduced stress and improved self esteem
Motivating pupils to think and learn
Teaching children about nurture and looking after themselves/others
Enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals
A calming effect on all pupils and staff and a positive impact on well-being

More about Pippa's breed

Pippa is bred from a show cocker spaniel and a minature poodle.

Cockapoos are described as -

" completely people-orientated, they are intelligent and very easy to train, very loving and forgive quickly and are so affectionate that you'll never feel alone. You might even have to shut the bathroom door for a minute of privacy as they do follow you around everywhere. She's happy running around showing off tricks to everyone, cuddling up on the sofa, or as a therapy dog, or just hanging out with people.

The Cockapoo is a hybrid dog, she's the offspring of the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel known as the Cockapoo, she's an utterly adorable little dog with a face that could melt a heart of stone.

She's affectionate and accepts everyone, from the elderly to children and all other pets, from cats, to house rabbits! She's also of an easy size, being small enough to cuddle and big enough to romp with bigger dogs.

Cockapoos have an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone around them, that essential 'joie de vivre' that makes every day a celebration."

Why are we having a school dog when there is a rule stating no dogs are allowed on school premises?

Pippa is fully insured to be on the school premises. She has also had substantial risk assessments in place and is temperament assessed to be safe in school.

Other dogs are still not permitted to be on the school premises at any time.

We understand that this may be a question many parents/carers have but we hope that you can understand and support us with this.

If there are any parents/carers who wish for their child/children to not interact directly with Pippa please make your wishes known, in writing to Miss Maynard either through email - admin@newmoston.manchester.sch.uk or dropping in a letter at the Main Reception.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Miss J Maynard