Bonnie the dog starts at Clevedon School to support children

Pupils in Clevedon have welcomed a new addition to their classroom.

Students at Clevedon School welcomed the friendly new school dog Bonnie.

The labrador-golden retriever cross is looked after by the Student Support team and helps students’ needs.

The trained dog helps children to build social skills and self-esteem, as well as a range of educational and emotional needs.

The Dogs Trust trained the students in preparation for the pups arrival.

Student Support worker Hannah Holloway said: “It has been proved children can benefit educationally and emotionally through contact with a suitably, calm dog and in addition take great enjoyment from interaction with animals.

“We want to encourage children who have additional needs, are vulnerable, have high anxiety levels or those who are less confident with reading, to care for a dog and to promote independence and soothe anxieties.”