Meet Bailey - Our Nyewood School Dog

Meet Bailey, our gorgeous Cavapoo school dog who's convinced he's won the lottery by getting to spend every day with children! This sweet-natured bundle of fluff has one mission in life: to make everyone at Nyewood feel happy, safe and loved. Whether he's listening patiently to a nervous reader, offering a comforting cuddle to someone feeling wobbly, or simply trotting around school spreading joy wherever he goes, Bailey takes his job very seriously (though he's not above accepting the occasional treat as payment). He's got excellent qualifications – a wagging tail, floppy ears, and an uncanny ability to know exactly who needs a furry friend. Warning: prolonged exposure to Bailey may result in uncontrollable smiling, improved wellbeing, and a strong desire to adopt a dog of your own!

1. How Bailey helps at Nyewood:

   • Supporting reading and literacy
   • Helping with emotional regulation
   • Supporting transitions and new starters
   • Teaching responsibility and empathy

2. Bailey's Training and Qualifications:

   • Qualified therapy dog
   • Fully insured
   • Regular health checks
   • Excellent temperament assessment

3. FAQs about Bailey:

   • What if my child is allergic?

   • We understand that some children have allergies to dogs, and we take this very seriously. If your child has a dog allergy, please inform us as soon as possible so we can put appropriate measures in place.

     Here's how we manage allergies:

   • Bailey is a Cavapoo, a breed known for being low-shedding and often better tolerated by people with mild allergies (though we recognise that no dog is truly hypoallergenic).

   • Designated areas: Bailey does not have access to all areas of the school at all times. We can ensure your child's classroom and learning spaces remain Bailey-free zones if needed.

   • Controlled contact: All interactions with Bailey are supervised and optional. No child is ever required to spend time with Bailey.

   • Individual risk assessments: For children with severe allergies, we will work with you and, if appropriate, medical professionals to create an individual plan that keeps your child safe while allowing them to fully access their education.

   • Communication: We will always inform you in advance if Bailey will be involved in any activities your child is participating in

   • Please contact the school office or speak to your child's class teacher to discuss your child's specific needs. We're committed to ensuring that every child at Nyewood feels safe and comfortable, and we'll work with you to find the right solution for your family.

   • What if my child is scared of dogs?

   • We completely understand that some children feel anxious or frightened around dogs, and we respect these feelings. At Nyewood, we never force any child to interact with Bailey, and we work carefully to help children who are nervous feel safe and supported.

     Here's our approach:

   • No pressure: Spending time with Bailey is always optional. Children are never required to touch, approach or be near Bailey if they don't want to.

   • Gradual introduction: For children who are nervous, we can introduce Bailey very slowly and at the child's own pace. This might start with simply seeing Bailey from a distance, then gradually (over weeks or months) moving closer as the child becomes more comfortable.

   • Safe spaces: We ensure that children who are uncomfortable around dogs always have Bailey-free spaces where they can learn and play without worry.

   • Education: We help children understand dog behaviour and body language in an age-appropriate way, which can sometimes help reduce anxiety.

   • Positive experiences: Many children who initially felt scared of dogs have, over time and with gentle support, become more comfortable around Bailey. However, we never push this – it's always at the child's pace and with their consent.

   • Alternative support: If your child needs emotional or wellbeing support but is uncomfortable with Bailey, we have many other pastoral strategies and support systems in place.

   • Communication with parents: We will always keep you informed and work in partnership with you to support your child.

   • A note from experience: We've found that Bailey's calm, gentle nature and small size often helps nervous children feel more at ease, but we recognise that every child is different. Some children may never feel comfortable around dogs, and that's absolutely fine – they are still valued members of our Nyewood family.

     If your child is nervous around dogs, please let us know so we can ensure they feel safe and supported. Contact the school office or speak to your child's class teacher to discuss how we can help.

   • Can my child spend time with Bailey?

   • Reading sessions: Children can read aloud to Bailey in small groups or one-to-one sessions. Bailey is an excellent listener and never judges if you stumble over a tricky word!

   • Wellbeing support: Children who are feeling anxious, upset or overwhelmed can spend some quiet time with Bailey as part of our pastoral support.

   • Transition support: Bailey often helps children who are new to Nyewood, or those who are finding transitions between year groups challenging.

   • Classroom visits: Bailey sometimes visits classrooms as part of lessons or as a reward for excellent behaviour or achievement.

   • Playground time: Occasionally, Bailey joins supervised outdoor activities where children can interact with him during break times.

   • Special responsibilities: Some children may be given the special job of helping to care for Bailey (under staff supervision), such as helping with his water bowl or taking him for a walk around the school grounds.

   • How do you ensure safety and hygiene?
   • Veterinary care: Bailey receives regular health checks, vaccinations and flea/worm treatments from our vet.
   • Grooming: Bailey is professionally groomed regularly and is kept clean and well-maintained.
   • Cleaning protocols: Areas where Bailey has been are cleaned regularly using appropriate cleaning products.
   • Food safety: Bailey is never present in areas where food is being prepared or consumed.
   • Toileting: Bailey is toileted in designated outdoor areas away from where children play, and waste is disposed of immediately and hygienically.

   • Supervision and risk assessment:

   • Bailey is always supervised by trained staff when with children.
   • We have conducted comprehensive risk assessments covering all aspects of having a school dog.
   • All staff who work with Bailey have received appropriate training.
   • Children are taught how to behave safely around Bailey (e.g., not approaching when he's eating or sleeping, gentle touching only, calm voices).