With 1 in 6 children likely to have a mental health problem and the likelihood of having a mental health difficulty increasing by 50% over the past three years (The Children’s Society 2024 Good Childhood report), Hope Community school recognises the urgent need to place mental health and well-being high on the agenda.

Indeed, one of the schools overarching strategic priorities is to develop a whole school approach to well-being, which nurtures the pastoral needs of staff and pupils, and the school has woven this important thread throughout all that it does.

From forest school for all children in all year groups, to purpose-built well-being spaces throughout the building; the school strives to ensure children are feeling safe, calm and happy, which in turn allows them to fully access their academic potential.

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One of the more exciting, and most noticeable ways, Hope Community School has chosen to do this is through the addition of some very special team members: Lenny and Ozzy the school therapy Dogs.  

Ten-year-old Cavapoo Lenny joined the school in January 2024 and is an expert in helping children with anxiety. Working with his owner, Ms Poole, Lenny works with children individually and supports them in building on their self-confidence, developing strategies to manage stress and anxiety and talking through personal difficulties. Meanwhile, 4 month old Labrador Puppy Ozzy, the newest addition to the team, is currently in training through The Dog Mentor, to enable him to work across the school delivering 1:1, group and whole class intervention.

Mrs Sara Donnelly, Principal of Hope Community school since Sept 2022, said she introduced the dogs after seeing the hugely positive impact dog therapy had in her previous school.

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Mrs Donnelly said: “There’s a lot of current research which shows the presence of a dog in school can have a very calming effect on children, and our school dogs have definitely had this effect. The children work with Lenny and Ozzy to develop their emotional and social skills. We have found children will open up and share their thoughts, fears and feelings in the presence of Lenny and Ozzy far more than they usually would and this is really helping us to support them in being in the best possible place mentally to then access work academically.”

Lacey, a year 5 pupil who has been spending time with the dogs weekly, said: "I really like that we get to have an experience with Lenny and Ozzy because I know when I am sad or worried they will be there to help me."

"It's very important to us that each and every child feels happy, safe and secure. " added Mrs Donnelly. "Children can't reach their full potential when they are anxious, worried or sad, so as a school we strive to ensure every child's mental health and well-being comes first. Whether that's through working with our therapy dogs, or with any or our highly trained staff, we aim to ensure every child is a happy child."

This Is Local London: Year 6 Children enjoying den building in forest School. Year 6 Children enjoying den building in forest School. (Image: Hope Community School)


Hope Community School
167 Rectory Lane,
Sidcup,
Kent,
DA14 5BU

020 3223 2000

enquiries@hopecommunityschool.org