Taking the lead: Bannockburn Primary’s Therapet scheme gets the paws up

Bannockburn pupil Kyle Flannigan and Riggs the therapet

PILOT project ‘Reading with Dogs’ has proved a huge success at Bannockburn Primary.

The school has welcomed friendly pooches Dylan and Scruffy to the school on a weekly basis over the past two years

The Therapet project is a partnership between the school and charity Canine Concern Scotland.

The two dogs have worked with over 20 pupils to develop their confidence and reading ability by taking part in sessions where youngsters read to the animals.

Pupils reported feeling calmer and having more confidence, with Primary 7 pupil James saying he likes the sessions because the dogs ‘don’t judge’.

He said: “I love reading with the dogs because if I make a mistake, they don’t judge me or try to correct me, they just let me read.

“It makes me feel calm and relaxed, and helps me to get better at reading out loud.”

Bannockburn Headteacher Audrey Ross, pupils Rhys McLaughlan and Abbie Smillie, and Principal Teacher Sacha Oates

The programme has been led by Mrs Sacha Oates, Principal Teacher who said, “I feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and innovative project.

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“Increasing wellbeing and self-confidence in our learners here at Bannockburn Primary is an integral part of our journey towards closing the attainment gap.

Being able to witness for myself the significant impact that this experience has made on our young learners is extremely rewarding.”

During the Committee’s latest meeting, Councillors met fully licenced therapet Riggs.

The pilot which originally began in 2015 has now been extended to include Riggs visiting the school on a daily basis to support learning across literary and health and wellbeing.

Education Convenor Susan McGill said, “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to improve learning experiences for children across the Stirling area so I very much commend staff at Bannockburn Primary for having the initiative.”