Meet Mavis, Our School Dog Mentor

At Wightwick Hall School, we are proud to have Mavis, our much-loved Dog Mentor, as part of our school community. Mavis plays an important role in supporting pupils' wellbeing, emotional regulation, confidence and engagement throughout the school day.

Many of our pupils benefit from the calming presence that Mavis provides. Through carefully planned interactions, Mavis helps children to develop emotional regulation skills, reduce anxiety and build positive relationships. Spending time with Mavis can provide a calming sensory experience, helping pupils to feel safe, settled and ready to learn.

How Mavis Supports Our Pupils

Mavis works alongside staff to provide a variety of enrichment and wellbeing opportunities, including:

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation during challenging moments.
• Providing a calming presence during transitions throughout the school day.
• Listening to children read, helping to build confidence and enjoyment in reading.
• Accompanying pupils on supervised walks to encourage conversation, wellbeing and physical activity.
• Supporting social communication and interaction skills.
• Helping pupils develop confidence, responsibility and empathy.
• Providing opportunities for reward, nurture and enrichment activities.
• Offering a positive focus for pupils who may find school routines challenging.

Every interaction with Mavis is carefully planned and tailored to meet the needs of individual pupils.

Mavis's Welfare and Wellbeing

At Wightwick Hall School, Mavis's wellbeing is just as important as the wellbeing of our pupils. We are committed to ensuring that she enjoys a happy, healthy and fulfilling life both in and out of school.

Mavis lives a normal family life at home where she can relax, play and enjoy time away from school. During the school day, she has access to quiet areas and enjoys regular periods of rest to ensure she remains comfortable and happy.

As part of her enrichment programme, Mavis enjoys a one-hour off-site walk with her dog walker twice each week. These opportunities allow her to exercise, explore and enjoy important downtime away from the school environment.

Learning to Interact Safely and Respectfully

To ensure positive experiences for both pupils and Mavis, clear expectations are in place regarding interactions with our school dog.

Children are taught how to approach, respond to and treat Mavis appropriately. Pupils learn about:

• Respecting Mavis's personal space.
• Recognising when Mavis may need rest.
• Using calm voices and gentle behaviour around dogs.
• Understanding basic dog body language.
• Demonstrating kindness, care and responsibility.

These expectations help children develop respect, empathy and confidence while ensuring Mavis remains safe, comfortable and happy within our school environment.

A Valued Member of Our School Community

Mavis is much more than a school dog; she is a valued member of the Wightwick Hall family. Through her calm nature, gentle companionship and positive presence, she helps create an environment where pupils can feel supported, regulated and ready to flourish.

Nurture • Grow • Flourish with Mavis by our side. 🐾