Elisa Hilton

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Stevie Wonder

He's Misstra Know It All

Listen Live Podcasts

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

Family of teenager killed near Pateley Bridge raise £6,700 in his memory

Family and supporters of a teenager was killed in a fatal hit and run incident have raised more than £6,700 in his memory.
Harrogate artists unveil stunning festive mural at Harrogate Hospital

Three local artists have unveiled a stunning Christmas mural in the front window of Harrogate Hospital.
Rudding Park wins national award for best short golf course

Rudding Park in Harrogate is celebrating having won Best Short Course at the Golf Course Awards held at Emirates Stadium in London.
Tributes paid to former Yorkshire Agricultural Society president

A much-loved member of the Great Yorkshire Show family and former Yorkshire Agricultural Society President, Margaret Chapman, has died unexpectedly at home, the Show's organisers have announced.
New Tesco officially opens on Skipton Road today

A new Tesco superstore on Skipton Road will welcome its first customers today (Tuesday).
New wine bar to open in Harrogate this weekend

A brand new wine bar and shop is set to open its doors in Harrogate town centre this weekend.
Fat Badger beer club raises £2,000 for Candlelighters

The long-running Fat Badger Beer Club has raised more than £2,000 for Yorkshire charity Candlelighters at its final event before Christmas.
Harrogate cocktail bar named among top 50 in UK

Harrogate cocktail bar Over & Above has been named in the UK's official top 50 cocktail bars list - less than a year after opening.
Sunflower Bakery in Harrogate announces closure

Sunflower Bakery in Harrogate is set to close, the bakery has announced.
Ripon dancing queens scoop multiple awards

Two talented young dancers from Ripon were awarded a huge haul of eleven medals and two trophies between them at a major dance festival.
Ripon Grammar named double 'parent power' award winners

Ripon Grammar School has been honoured with two major awards in the Sunday Times's 2026 Parent Power guide.
Appeal following indecent exposure incident in Harrogate

Police are appealing for information following an incident of exposure in Harrogate.
New housing approved despite concerns over flooding and river pollution

Plans have been approved for 58 houses in a North Yorkshire village despite existing problems of sewage in the streets and being pumped into the local river.
Tourism tax would be a 'hammer blow' for hospitality, says Ripon MP

A North Yorkshire MP has warned that a proposed tourism tax would be a "hammer blow" for hospitality businesses in the county.
Councillors back plans to make improvements to Ripon Market Place

Councillors have backed proposed improvements to Ripon Market Place to encourage visitors to stay longer and make the area better for holding events.
Harrogate pupils given insight into Donald Trump's White House

Pupils from a Harrogate school have been given an inside track on life working within the White House – from a former Communications Director to President Donald Trump.
Royal recognition for Harrogate care company

A Harrogate-based home care company has been presented with a prestigious award by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Ripon tractor accident survivor appeals for vital blood donations

A woman from Kirkby Malzeard near Ripon who survived a catastrophic tractor accident is backing an NHS appeal for blood donations.
Spring Water expansion 'wrong choice for Harrogate', say Town Council

Harrogate Town Council unanimously opposed the expansion plans of Harrogate Spring Water at a meeting last week.
Knaresborough school hosts town's first ever laser show

Knaresborough's night sky burst into colour as the town's first ever laser show lit up the grounds of Aspin Park Academy.