Hi,

My name is Ruth and I work at Pictor Academy, a special primary school in South Manchester.

Our school caters for children aged 2 – 11 with special educational needs arising from a range of conditions. A large number of pupils have autism. This means that they have difficulties communicating and interacting with others. They will also have difficulties with play and imagination. Some of our pupils have physical difficulties whilst others may have a language disorder or have a general developmental delay.

Research from the University of Lincoln found that autistic children experience less dysregulation in the presence of a dog. They can have a profoundly positive impact on the well-being of students. These furry friends offer comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide emotional support to children who may be struggling with various challenges. They have the unique ability to create a calming and nurturing environment, fostering a sense of safety and security.

To ensure we choose the right dog for the school we need to use a reputable breeder who can provide the full history of the puppy and parents, along with detailed health checks and most importantly the right temperament to be a therapy dog. We would also choose a comprehensive and accredited training programme for our dog.

Schools across the country are massively over stretched financially, especially SEND schools, so it’s not something that would be feasible for them to fund. None of the above comes cheaply and so I think Go Fund Me could be the answer.

We will also be doing some sponsored events over the next few months too so watch this space.

Please help with any donation you can. Every little helps!

Best wishes,

Ruth