A SPECIAL needs school has invested in a school dog to give therapy to the pupils.

Castledon School, in Wickford, was looking for new ways to give therapy and help its pupils, who have learning difficulties.

The school found pet therapy has been a success in other schools, and decided a school dog would make a significant difference.

Finn is a cockerpoo – a cross between a cocker spaniel and poodle – and is undergoing training to enable him to help the children who have difficulties with such things as communication.

The pup was chosen because his fur is hypoallergenic, which means he will not cause irritation or allergic reaction to the children.

Teacher Sarah Cannon said: “Finn lives some of the time with Phillipa Holliday, our principal, and Louise Cusiter, our counsellor.

“He is in school every day running around and the children take him out for walks around our playing field. He is being trained at the moment, but slowly because he is so young he can’t take too much training.

“We run a range of extensive therapy techniques for the children and were looking at how to bring new and innovative approaches to this.

“I know other schools have used therapy dogs. Hylands School, in Writtle, has a cockerpoo, too. We researched into dog therapy and decided it was the best idea.

“Finn will be trained to help the children with interaction and will listen to them read. Dogs don’t judge and pupils who have difficulty communicating will find it easier to talk to him and connect with him.

“Dog communication is not as complex as ours, and so the children will feel they can communicate with him more.

“At the moment, he is still very young and is still getting used to the school environment.

“We need to train him not to pick up things from the floor because schools can be hazardous like that to animals. Finn will need used to the noises and school atmosphere so that he doesn’t scare easily. He came to school when he was just eightweeks- old.”

Pets At Home, Basildon, paid for the the jabs for Finn. Boyce Construction donated £400 and local charity the Local Yokles has raised £1,500 towards costs.