We are very excited that Emanuel will be visited by a new member of the pastoral team this term, Boadi (short for Boadicea). Boadi is Reverend Bailey-Smith’s Cavapoo and will be joining her for an initial term time visit to the school on Friday 7th June.

Boadi will accompany our chaplain on her daily duties on Friday. She is well-trained, gentle, and enjoys being around people, making her ideal for our school. Pupils will have an opportunity to interact with Boadi if they wish at break and lunch times in the future in a safe and ordered environment in a specific area of the school should they wish, under the watchful eye of Reverend Bailey-Smith and the pastoral staff.

Boadi has been granted a special exception to our standard ‘no dogs on site’ policy. This decision was carefully made to harness the proven benefits that animals bring to mental health and emotional wellbeing. We have conducted a full risk assessment, including a trial run on-site, and we are confident that she will be an asset to the team.

Of course, we recognise that some pupils may not feel confident around dogs, and for these children there will be no need for her presence to impact on their day.

It is our intention to review how Boadi’s first official visit goes on Friday, with a view to repeating it again before the end of the term and establishing a more regular commitment.

Thank you for your understanding while we explore this exciting new pastoral development at Emanuel. Should you have any questions or queries then please do email Mrs Jones (Vartoui.Jones@emanuel.org.uk).