Sidmouth therapy dog helps college students enjoy reading

A calming collie-doodle is out and about, helping to improve wellbeing and learning as part of weekly visits to Sidmouth College.

Polly the therapy dog at Sidmouth College with some students. Ref shs 03 19TI 8563. Picture: Terry Ife - Credit: Archant

Therapy pet Polly and her owner Pat Hague drop by the student support department to work with readers, helping to create a calm environment for students to engage with reading.

Carole Clark, inclusion manager at the college, said “Studies have suggested that spending time with an animal such as a therapy dog can improve the overall psychological state of participants.

“The benefits for the students has been huge, Polly’s visits have provided a calming and rewarding experience and the students have loved spending time with her in student support.”

Headteacher Sarah Parsons said the scheme is timely.

Polly the therapy dog at Sidmouth College with some students. Ref shs 03 19TI 8563. Picture: Terry Ife - Credit: Archant

“In a time when the wellbeing of young people is so well publicised in the media, if is fantastic to have a the opportunity to offer the known benefits of a therapy dog to our students,” she said.