Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Harry Styles

Satellite

Listen Live

New school dog for Oatlands Infants School

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 06:58

Maggie is the new school dog at Oatlands Infants School in Harrogate.

Meet Maggie, the four-legged furry friend who has just joined the Oatlands Infant School team.

After successfully completing an intense training program, Maggie passed her final certification to join the school as a ‘Therapy Dog’.

Her duties will include welcoming families into school, helping when children (and staff) are upset and need a friend, listening to readers and spreading smiles whenever she walks.

Headteacher Christopher Harrison said,

“Our school’s core value is happiness, and Maggie’s role in school is to spread smiles far and wide.

“We want our children to feel welcome and loved here in school, and for school to feel like home away from home.

“Maggie will be a big part of this continuing journey.”

Studies have shown that animals can act as a source of comfort during times of distress.

They lower peoples’ blood pressure, ease loneliness, encourage exercise, ease stress and support those suffering from depression.

Having Therapy Dogs in schools can also help children to feel more comfortable around pets through meeting them in a safe space with trusted adults.

Children, with consent from their parents and carers, will work with Maggie on a regular basis throughout the week and she pops around school or snoozes in the Headteacher’s office in her Oatlands jumper.

They will have opportunities to take Maggie for walks in the school’s Community Garden and to share their learning with her in groups and individually.

More from Local News

Where are the best places for afternoon tea in Harrogate?

Afternoon tea remains a popular way to spend a relaxed afternoon in and around Harrogate, with venues ranging from country estates to town-centre hotels.
Which venues have signed up for Harrogate Restaurant Week?

Harrogate Restaurant Week is returning this month, in partnership with Harrogate BID.
Harrogate powerlifter selected to represent Team England at Commonwealth Games

A Harrogate powerlifter has been selected to represent Team England at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Pannal girls' teams enjoy special matchday experience at Manchester City

Young players from Pannal Sports Junior FC enjoyed a matchday to remember after winning a competition that saw them step onto the pitch at a Manchester City Women fixture.
PR skills in high demand as Harrogate small business event sells out

Two Yorkshire PR experts say demand is outstripping supply for their events for small businesses.
Inspirational Ripon woman nominated for Yorkshire Choice Award following fundraising feat

A Ripon woman who overcame life-changing injuries to complete a demanding charity challenge has been nominated for a Yorkshire Choice Award, recognising her courage.
Plug pulled on toilet fee usage plan

Plans to introduce charges to use dozens of council-owned toilets appear have been temporarily blocked amid concerns that a fee of up to 50p would not wash with the public.
Government refuses to intervene in bottled water factory expansion controversy

The Government has refused to intervene in a bottled water company's controversial plans to extend its Harrogate factory into an area of community woodland.
Mayor hails new Harrogate College campus on construction site visit

Mayor for York and North Yorkshire David Skaith  has been given a first look at work to create Harrogate College’s £22m new campus.
FIRST LOOK: Networking opportunity for professional women in Harrogate

A trio of local business women including Tina Hutchinson, Laura Penrose and Chrissi Robinson are revitalising 'Harrogate Ladies Who Latte', a local networking group for business women.
Jones Myers solicitor on track to boost firm's mediation expertise

Jones Myers family law solicitor Katie Jennings has successfully completed the key first stage of her training to become an accredited Family Law Mediator.
Holistic wellness centre near Harrogate to host launch event

A new holistic wellness centre near Harrogate will host a launch event this weekend.
Successful 'Makers Market' returns to Harrogate this month

Harrogate BID has confirmed the return of the Harrogate Makers Market this month, following a highly successful launch year.
Nominations now open for Local Hero Awards 2026

Nominations are now open for the Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town Football Club Local Hero Awards 2026.
Burglar steals from safe at Knaresborough bookmakers

Police are appealing for information about a burglary at a bookmakers in Knaresborough.
Nearly 400 objections for Killinghall village expansion

Nearly 400 objections have been lodged against proposed housing developments in Killinghall.
Yorkshire Water under fire for above-inflation price increase

Yorkshire Water has come under fire after the utility company announced an above-inflation price hike.
Harrogate Town confirm signing of Wigan midfielder

Harrogate Town have confirmed the signing of Wigan midfielder Tobias Brenan on loan until the end of the season.
Lifesaving bleed kit to be installed in Harrogate

Lives are set to be saved across North Yorkshire thanks to special kits which are being installed in towns and villages across the county.
Harrogate judo star strikes silver for third time

A rising martial arts star from Harrogate who won silver for the third time at major British championships has been selected for the national judo training squad.