Making a success of dogs in boarding
🏷️ From £135
🎧 Pastoral leads, all boarding staff
đź“Ť Online
âś… Included in BSA CPD Pass
Course outline:
Dogs have long played a role in boarding house life, and recent research continues to highlight the positive impact animals can have on children’s wellbeing. While the benefits are well-documented—particularly in supporting mental health—there are also practical and safeguarding considerations that must be addressed. Media portrayals can sometimes amplify concerns, making it all the more important to approach the topic with clarity and balance.
This seminar explores current research on the role of dogs in school and boarding settings, examines common risks and challenges, and shares practical ideas and real-life examples for integrating dogs safely and effectively into boarding environments.
Training topics will include:
- The latest research on the mental health and wellbeing benefits of dogs in boarding schools
- Understanding the risks, including health, safety, and liability concerns
- Practical strategies for introducing and managing dogs in a boarding setting
- Real-world case studies highlighting successful approaches and lessons learned
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the key benefits of having dogs in boarding environments, particularly in relation to student wellbeing
- Identify and assess potential risks, and understand how to mitigate them responsibly
- Explore and implement effective strategies for integrating dogs into boarding house life
- Draw insights from case studies to inform their own approach
Speaker:Â
Kimberly Tuckwell
Kimberly is Head of House at Lairthwaite Boarding House at Keswick School. Having lived and worked across Canada, Germany, and the UK, she brings a rich global perspective, focusing on pastoral wellbeing and creating a true home environment. Now settled in the Lake District, Kimberly actively integrates animal-assisted support into boarding alongside her wonderful Therapy Dog, Freyja, two rescue cats, and a small flock of free-range hens. A former IB English teacher, her love for literature and Lake District adventures with Freyja is balanced by a keen enthusiasm for Formula 1 racing.
