Joydens Wood Junior School

Albert - Our School Dog at Joydens Wood Junior School

Please meet Albert, our school dog.  Joydens Wood Junior School’s Dog ‘Albert’ lives with our Headteacher, Mrs Watson, and her family. Albert is a very caring and well behaved six year old King Charles Spaniel who has the right temperament to and has become a real asset to Joydens Wood Junior School.

Albert has public liability insurance, this means he can come into school. Albert regularly visits the vet for check-ups. Whilst he is there they administer worm and flea treatments as well as make adjustments to his food intake to ensure he remains a healthy weight.

While the Albert’s school 'home' will be the office areas, children do interact with him under strict supervision at certain times of the week as long as parental permission has been given.

Whilst moving around the school, Albert is kept on a short lead and is always with an adult. We hope the children will gain a great deal of enjoyment from having their school dog and that he becomes an established part of life at JWJS.

Why do we have Albert, our School Dog?

1. Dogs teach children responsibility. Having to remember to feed, provide water and show support for a dog can give children a sense of importance and satisfaction that they can’t get from school or other chores. The relationship that develops can be life-changing for a child and a great support system as they themselves continue to grow and develop.
2. Dogs teach children patience. Dogs do not always do as they are told first time!
3. Dogs teach children compassion. Just like humans, dogs feel emotion and pain. They are prone to injuries and the infirmities of age during their relatively short lives.
4. Dogs teach children about socialisation. Like most of us, dogs are social animals who enjoy and need attention and affection. By learning how to interact with a dog, children can learn how to better socialise with other children.
5. Dogs are fun. Last, but certainly not least, dogs are a lot of fun. They greet you with a wagging tail every day and can cheer you up even on your worst day.

Many people have studied dogs in attempts to decipher their behaviour, and the theories abound. However, you just have to witness the interactions between dogs and children to realise the potential for greatness. With the proper training and supervision, a dog can enrich a child’s life. After all, dogs are basically four-legged children who never grow up!

 Click here to see the Risk Assessment for Albert