St Thomas More Primary School

Therapy Dogs in School

Meet Ralph, our Therapy dog.

We’re proud to welcome Ralph and Mrs Masters into our school community. These specially trained dogs support students in many ways:

Health & Attendance: Children with regular contact with dogs show stronger immune systems and improved school attendance.
Behaviour & Wellbeing: Dogs help reduce anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues, promoting a calmer learning environment.
Reading Support: Reading to dogs boosts confidence and literacy skills, especially for reluctant or struggling readers.
Social Skills: Caring for dogs teaches empathy, responsibility, and teamwork, helping students build self-esteem.
Emotional Support: Therapy dogs offer comfort to students facing challenges such as bullying, bereavement, or anxiety.
Sensory Development: Grooming and interacting with dogs can support children with sensory processing needs.
Positive Reinforcement: Time with therapy dogs is used as a reward for effort, progress, and achievement.

Ralph brings joy, comfort, and motivation to our children every day.

Parent Workshops Emotional Wellbeing Team

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Supporting Mental Health at St Thomas More School

We are fortunate to have access to the Medway Emotional Wellbeing Teams, a dedicated service that supports the emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people in schools.

These teams work closely with pupils, staff, and families to provide:

Early intervention for issues such as anxiety, low mood, and self-esteem
One-to-one and group support sessions
Guidance for staff on mental health strategies
Workshops and resources for parents and carers
Help accessing further services when needed

At St Thomas More School, we are committed to promoting positive mental health and creating a supportive environment for all students. If you are interested in accessing this service please speak to Mrs Austin (SENDCo) or Jody who will explain the process for referral.

Sen@st-thomasmore.medway.sch.uk

Workshop dates will be updated termly and shared via the school newsletter sent out by email.