Stanley Road Primary School in Worcester has welcomed a new four‑legged member of staff. Penny, a fully trained dog mentor, is already making a positive difference to pupil wellbeing, confidence, and learning.
Penny supports children across the school by helping to make learning fun, reducing stress, and offering a calming presence. She visits classrooms, encourages children to keep corridors clean and safe, and has quickly become a familiar and reassuring face around the building.
She also offers “Penny breathing”, a simple wellbeing technique used to support calmness and emotional regulation. Pupils follow Penny’s slow, steady breaths to help them settle, focus, and feel more grounded during the school day.
Penny has a special spot in the school library where she listens to children read. Reading to a dog can help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and make reading feel less pressured, especially for children who may struggle with self‑esteem or concentration. Her presence helps create a relaxed environment where pupils feel safe to practice and improve.
As part of her role, Penny also works with individual children to help them manage their emotions, develop resilience, and build self‑confidence. Dog mentors can have a powerful impact in schools, offering non‑judgemental companionship, reducing stress levels, and helping children feel more secure. For some pupils, spending time with a calm, friendly dog can make it easier to talk about their feelings, try new tasks or re‑engage with learning.
Staff say Penny has already become a loved and valued member of the school community, bringing warmth, motivation, and a sense of calm wherever she goes.
If you have a creative idea to boost wellbeing in your school, you can apply for a public health grant via our website: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/communitygrants