Dexter is a Headlands student’s best friend

• Companion dog Dexter delights Headlands’ pupils and staff
• Dogs proven to improve mental health and wellbeing

Headlands School has introduced a companion dog to one of its residential houses at the school to the delight of students and staff alike.

Dexter, a 4-month-old King Charles Spaniel owned by a residential staff member lives as naturally as conditions allow and is properly cared for within the residential home with children interacting with the dog to the benefit of their social and emotional development.

Vice Principal for Care at Headlands, Maxine Cahill, said: ‘Having a pet as a companion is widely accepted as a powerful aid to stimulation and communication. Studies have shown that the presence of companion animals can improve the well-being of children and lower the rate of anxiety, simply by making the environment happier, more enjoyable and less forbidding.

‘We’ve been considering having a dog as a residential companion for some time and the response has been amazing across the whole school. Our young people love him, and the effects are already being felt by everyone.’

Attachment to pets has an important role in children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, mental health, well-being, and quality of life. The young people help to care for Dexter by walking him, feeding, bathing, playing and training him.

Phil, a young person living with the dog, said: ‘I absolutely love Dexter, he makes you forget all your worries and there’s nothing better than coming back to the house to get a brilliant welcome off him at the end of the day.’

Fellow resident, Matt agreed, saying: ‘He’s settled in really well and we have loads of visitors wanting to see him. He makes me feel calmer and I enjoy looking after him. I love that Dexter always greets me excitedly when he sees me.’

During the school day identified young people and staff have a weekly programme where they take Dexter out for walks which has been very successful. Dexter has also helped to calm young people by just being with them when they are feeling anxious or worried.

Headlands School is an independent special school that offers day and residential placements for boys and girls aged 7 to 19 who have difficulty learning as a result of early trauma, complex emotional and social issues, Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Asperger’s Syndrome