SOUTH Petherwin School not only welcomed a full class of Reception pupils this term, but also another new addition — Buddy the school dog.

Buddy is owned by the school’s headteacher, Theresa Mills. He is a three-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed chosen especially because they are so good with children and are renowned for being caring dogs. Furthermore, Cavaliers respond very well to training. When Buddy is nine months old, he will be able to train to be a pet therapy dog.

As for the reasons behind having a dog full-time at the school, Ms Mills said: “Children can benefit educationally and emotionally through contact with a dog. They increase their understanding of responsibility and develop empathy and nurturing skills.

“Buddy is gentle and loving and has already been a special friend to children, helping them to build self-esteem, relax and have fun. Furthermore, dogs make amazing listeners, providing the children with a sense of comfort and love. Research has proved that students who read to dogs show an increase in reading levels, word recognition, a higher desire to read and write, and an increase in intra and interpersonal skills among the children they mix with.”

Buddy is very much a full-time member of South Petherwin School, even having his photograph taken for the staff board! He has also become a bit of a Twitter sensation. A video of his first assembly at school has been seen by more than a thousand people and liked by people as far afield as Los Angeles.