Isla, a black Labrador, joined Tadworth Primary School in 2013 when she was 6 months old and, since then, she has become an important member of our school. She has been used to being around children since she was a puppy and has had lots of training to help her do her job. She has the ‘Gold’ Kennel Club Good Citizen Award and is also a qualified PAT (‘Pets As Therapy’) dog, spending some of her spare time visiting people in hospital. When she is out and about on walks around the school, she is always on a lead and otherwise, she spends her time in the Deputy Head, Miss Prophet’s office.

 Isla comes into school on certain days of the week and helps pupils in many ways. She encourages and motivates children who find reading tricky by letting them read to her.  On top of this, she helps children who might be upset or worried about something and is often seen with children who have earned ‘Isla time’ as a reward for their good work or behaviour.

These are comments from some of the children who’ve had ‘Isla time’:

 “I’ve read with her and thrown a ball for her.  I like it because she’s cute, fun and friendly” (Y2)

 “It was quite humorous when I read to Isla. You could tell she was listening very closely because her ears perked up and then she licked the book!” (Y6)

 “I’ve read to her, cuddled her and stroked her.  I also like throwing the bouncy ball for her.” (Y5)

“I like walking her down the alley way – I’ve had fun doing it” (Y1)

“We love having a school dog because we can play with her, she can cheer you up and we can read to her” (Y3)

“I like stroking her when I read to her” (Y1)

Outside of school, Isla enjoys playing with other dogs, going for walks, swimming and eating carrots and bananas!