Studies support the idea that interacting with a pet benefits many children with social, emotional and communication difficulties. Children with learning difficulties especially benefit from interacting with dogs, which can provide unconditional, non-judgmental love and companionship, acting as a social catalyst, encouraging positive social interaction.

At St Philip’s School students benefit from using two dogs in a therapeutic way on site:

Bobby is a lurcher who is based in the Student Support Centre.

Often pupils who find it difficult to communicate with others, may start to interact around Bobby. He also helps 1:1 student support sessions.

Joker is a rescue Greyhound and is based in Mrs Clements office.