Thank you to the Salisbury Journal for highlighting this wonderful initiative led by S6C STEM Faculty Lead, Kirsty White.
TRAINED therapy dog Paddy and a group of teenage volunteers are helping children discover a love of books at a primary school.
Salisbury 6th Form College and Pembroke Park Primary School are working together on the ‘Pages with Paddy’ programme.
Both institutions are part of the Magna Learning Partnership.
Two-year-old Paddy and students from the 6th form worked with Old Sarum Primary School on the same scheme before Christmas.
The programme sees Year 3 pupils from Pembroke Park read to Paddy or one of the 6th form volunteers on Tuesday afternoons at the school’s library.
Paddy with Kirsty White (Image: Newsquest)
Paddy’s owner Kirsty White, who teaches Psychology at the 6th form and is the STEM faculty lead, heads up the programme with the support of Pembroke Park acting headteacher Clare McCracken and college head Ben Hillier.
She took Paddy through six months of training with Therapy Dog Training UK and The Kennel Club to make sure he is safe to work with children.
She believes it is especially beneficial for children who have not built a regular habit of reading at home.
“I looked at the research evidence of how beneficial it can be for children,” she said.
“It’s lovely to see how excited the pupils get about reading, and this develops their love for reading.
“It helps them build that association that reading is fun.”
Volunteers Jess and Jay with head of Salisbury 6th Form Ben Hillier (Image: Newsquest)
Kirsty says the scheme is also beneficial for the 6th form volunteers, some of whom have included the experience in their university applications.
Mrs McCracken says it can be hard for teaching staff to find the time to listen to the children reading, making this a valuable exercise as it means 10 pupils can spend time with Paddy or a volunteer at a time.
“The children come alive, and it’s really impactful,” she said.
“Paddy brings that calming nature, and it broadens out reading and shows they don’t have to read on their own; they can read with animals or to their teddies.
“It’s good to see their interaction with the sixth form students, too. It’s a nice calm time with no pressure.”
Paddy brings a sense of calm to the reading sessions (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Hillier, as head of college, is keen to encourage his students to take part in voluntary activities to boost their confidence, while strengthening relationships within the Magna Learning Partnership.
He said: “We want all of the pupils here to end up at the college one day. Our students are role models, as well.
“It’s the right thing to do to give back within the trust.
“I owe a lot to Kirsty for this one. It’s all her hard work that has made this possible – I just drive the minibus sometimes!”
Paddy’s training means he is safe to work in schools, care homes and hospitals as a therapy dog (Image: Newsquest)
Volunteer Jess, who is in Year 13, said it was a no-brainer to get involved – not least because it means she can work with Paddy.
“Paddy’s always around the college,” she said.
“I’m a big fan – I love him to bits.
“Kirsty asked if I would be interested in helping out at a primary school with their reading. It sounded like a lot of fun.
“It’s a nice chilled out experience. It’s beneficial to the younger children, but there are lots of benefits for us, too.”
Paddy with Kirsty White (Image: Newsquest)
Volunteers Jess and Jay with head of Salisbury 6th Form Ben Hillier (Image: Newsquest)
Paddy brings a sense of calm to the reading sessions (Image: Newsquest)
Paddy’s training means he is safe to work in schools, care homes and hospitals as a therapy dog (Image: Newsquest)Click here to go to the Salisbury Journal: Salisbury Journal Article
