WNAT Pupils Welcome Furry Friend
There were cuddles all round at a WNAT school, when children welcomed their new therapy dog.
Shih Tzu Dolly has become a popular, weekly visitor at Heacham Infant School, where, accompanied by owner Dawn Swift, she spends time with pupils across all age groups.
“Dawn and Dolly visit our school regularly, usually on Monday mornings, and they are a very welcome addition to our school community,” said Assistant Headteacher Claire Dack. “The children thoroughly enjoy spending time with Dolly, as she brings a real sense of calm and comfort.
“During her visits, she spends time with different classes from Nursery through to Year 2. The children are able to stroke her, ask questions about her, and read stories to her, which they thoroughly enjoy.
“The visits are arranged so that Dolly goes into individual classrooms, rather than the children coming to her. This helps create a calm and familiar environment for the children, and allows each class to benefit from spending time with her.”
Dolly is also a familiar face at Heacham Junior School, which is a fellow member of our Trust.
“Dawn Swift, who has vast experience working in schools, first approached the Junior School in 2024 to volunteer Dolly’s services, recognising how beneficial therapy dogs can be for children,” continued Mrs Dack.
“Dolly began visiting shortly afterwards, and the visits proved to be a great success at the Junior School. Following this success, we later invited Dolly to also visit the Infant School, where she has now been visiting for several months.
“Many of the children enjoy sitting with Dolly to chat, read stories, and share their thoughts and feelings – something they might find difficult to do in other circumstances.
“Dolly has made a positive difference to the children in our school.”
“She is so soft, and I like reading stories to her,” said Year 2 pupil Lukas. “She makes me feel happy, excited, and calm.”
“Dolly’s role within the school is incredibly valuable,” added Mrs Dack. “Her visits provide comfort, enjoyment, and reassurance for many children, while also helping to develop confidence, communication, and reading skills.
“The visits are arranged so that Dolly goes into individual classrooms, rather than the children coming to her. This helps create a calm and familiar environment for the children, and allows each class to benefit from spending time with her.”
Dolly is also a familiar face at Heacham Junior School, which is a fellow member of our Trust.
“Dawn Swift, who has vast experience working in schools, first approached the Junior School in 2024 to volunteer Dolly’s services, recognising how beneficial therapy dogs can be for children,” continued Mrs Dack.
“Dolly began visiting shortly afterwards, and the visits proved to be a great success at the Junior School. Following this success, we later invited Dolly to also visit the Infant School, where she has now been visiting for several months.
“Many of the children enjoy sitting with Dolly to chat, read stories, and share their thoughts and feelings – something they might find difficult to do in other circumstances.
“Dolly has made a positive difference to the children in our school.”
“She is so soft, and I like reading stories to her,” said Year 2 pupil Lukas. “She makes me feel happy, excited, and calm.”
“Dolly’s role within the school is incredibly valuable,” added Mrs Dack. “Her visits provide comfort, enjoyment, and reassurance for many children, while also helping to develop confidence, communication, and reading skills.
“The children always look forward to seeing her, and she has become a very special part of the school community.”