Welcome to our newest recruit!
Celebrating your first day in a new job has become a must..so we had to share this adorable photo of Rosa, an emotional support dog who has joined us at Arc School Old Arley.
Rosa is a two-and-a-half year old Cockapoo and she has completed two and a half days on school site and has enjoyed all the cuddles, walks and playing with her ball. She is still learning how to be on a school site but is picking it up very quickly and is enjoying every second of it.
Many of our schools, who are open to children with diagnoses of autism as well as with social, emotional and mental health needs, have seen the benefits of emotional support dogs, and we have a number of dogs across our sites, so Rosa is in good company...but also has a high standard to live up to! Take it easy, Rosa, we know you'll settle right in.
Mr Pernice, who was responsible for bringing Rosa to Old Arley, says:
"A dog has been proven to provide a greater enjoyment of being in the school environment, with improved attendance and a greater willingness to learn and participate."
Pupils have, understandably, welcomed their new furry friend. Not all dogs are cut out for the challenging work of being always ready to play, be stroked or have cuddles...but Rosa has the personality that support dogs are made of.
In the future, the school are aware of a number of animal care qualifications that pupils could take, learning to look after Rosa. As Mr Pernice is in charge of careers at the school, he has an especial focus on the benefits Rosa can bring in this area, which for all children, can be a frightening topic. He says:
"I have observed when the pupils are talking about ‘careers’ or ‘leaving school’ it can be very difficult for them to process their feelings, leading them to become highly anxious. Having Rosa in the room can help lower their anxiety by simply being a comfort to stroke, watch or interact with. I believe that Rosa’s personality will help keep the pupils calm in the classroom and offer them a chance to release tension/anxiety, by taking her to play ball or by simply stroking her."
Mr Pernice points out that dogs benefit teachers too. He says:
"I know after a challenging day there is nothing better than stroking/playing/walking a dog. To see their wagging tails and happy faces also puts me in a great mood and to have Rosa sitting on my lap at the end of the day would be icing on the top of a great cake that is Arc School Old Arley."
Welcome to Arc School Old Arley and to Kedleston Group, Rosa!