Welcome to The Dog Mentor at Spaldwick Primary School

At Spaldwick Primary School, we are delighted to introduce Carter, our school dog mentor! As an inclusive school that encourages and motivates all children to be happy, resilient, and independent learners, we believe Carter will be a valuable addition to our community.

Meet Carter, Our Dog Mentor

Carter is a toy cavapoo who lives with our Headteacher, Mrs Worrell. He greets children upon arrival, goes into classrooms, participates in the children's learning, and has stories read to him. Whenever he needs a break from his busy schedule, he rests in Mrs Worrell's office.

Carter joined our school in March 2025 and has since completed his training, passing the Dog Mentor Programme assessment with flying colours. 

The Benefits of The Dog Mentor Programme

The Dog Mentor programme aims to enhance the universal support provision in our school environment, covering not only social, emotional, and mental health wellbeing but also curriculum-based education to improve learning outcomes. 

Numerous research studies have shown the benefits of dogs in schools, and we are excited to see the positive impact Carter will have on our children. Areas of potential benefit include:

• Cognitive Development: companionship with a dog can stimulate memory, problem-solving, and game-playing, as well as improve reading skills.
• Emotional Development: a school dog can improve self-esteem, acceptance from others, and lift moods, often provoking laughter and fun. He can also teach compassion and respect for other living things, as well as relieve anxiety.
• Physical Development: Interacting with a pet can reduce blood pressure, provide tactile stimulation, assist with pain management, give motivation to move and walk, and stimulate the senses.
• Environmental Benefits: a school dog contributes to a home-style environment, with all the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.
• Social Benefits: a dog provides a positive mutual topic for discussion, encourages responsibility and wellbeing, and helps develop social skills and focused interaction with others.

The Dog Mentor programme has also been proven to have a positive impact on children in areas including behaviour, peer relationships, and better engagement skills, which in turn result in improved academic achievement.

Ensuring the Welfare of All

The welfare of everyone involved is our top priority. Full training has been provided to Mrs Worrell and Mrs Galpin, who are Carter's handlers, ensuring that they can maintain the wellbeing of both the children and Carter throughout his time at Spaldwick Primary School.

Embracing Our Values

At Spaldwick Primary School, we are committed to being at the heart of the local community, fostering and enhancing links with the wider community. Our Dog Mentor programme perfectly aligns with our values of Pride, Independence, Resilience, Enjoyment, and Care, as we strive to nurture and develop ambitious learners who show respect for themselves and others.

 If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our Dog Mentor programme, please don't hesitate to contact us.