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

Sidmouth Herald: Polly the therapy dog at Sidmouth College with some students. Ref shs 03 19TI 8563. Picture: Terry IfePolly the therapy dog at Sidmouth College with some students. Ref shs 03 19TI 8563. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: 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.

Sidmouth Herald: Polly the therapy dog at Sidmouth College with some students. Ref shs 03 19TI 8563. Picture: Terry IfePolly the therapy dog at Sidmouth College with some students. Ref shs 03 19TI 8563. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: 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.