Share it

TEAM Hub

The Cottesloe School is home to a stand-alone building that houses two counselling rooms, two intervention rooms – one large for group activities and the other a small room for 1:1 or small group sessions, an office and a large work area with sofas, beanbags, computers, work tables and not forgetting a kettle for that all-important cup of tea!

          

                                    

TEAM Hub is managed by Miss Phillips and supported by Mrs Brimmell (Student Wellbeing Officer) and Mrs West (Student Support officer), all are safeguarding trained to DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) level and support students in a range of different ways, for a range of different needs.

Teddy joined the team in December and has his own page on the website for you to read more about him.

TEAM Hub is open to all students during dedicated drop-in times.

These are:


The Wellbeing Ambassadors are available in TEAM Hub during lunchtimes on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.* Please note that sometimes afterschool drop-ins will not be available due to meetings.

Teddy is currently in school on a Wednesday.

To discuss bespoke TEAM Hub support, please contact your Child's Head of Year in the first instance.

Teddy our Wellbeing Dog

Mrs West (Student Support Officer in TEAM Hub) has a registered Therapy dog called Teddy who is a Golden Retriever. Obviously, bringing any animal into school is not something to be approached lightly, both for the animal’s sake and for the sake of the students and adults in the school. I have visited and taken advice from other schools in the area, that have school dogs. We have discussed the practicalities, including everything from risk assessments and insurance to dealing with training, doggy toileting and students’ allergies.


Teddy is based in TEAM Hub with Mrs West as she is the person that the dog is registered with through Pets as Therapy. Students will never be left alone with Teddy and they will be taught about how to be around a dog; for example, if Teddy is on his bed, then we leave him alone to rest. We are hoping that Teddy will eventually join our school on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but this will be built up over time.

What is Teddy like?

Teddy is a Golden Retriever. The breed is renowned for its calm, gentle temperament and love of children. Belonging to Mrs West and her family, Teddy has undergone strict training and assessment in order to prepare him for working with children.  Teddy is certified as a ‘Pets As Therapy’ dog, meaning that he has been assessed as being healthy and of the right temperament to work within the local community, including children.  Pets as Therapy dogs are recognised by the Royal College of Nursing and welcomed by medical authorities in many areas.

Teddy update October 2020

                    

 

What does Teddy do all day in school?

Teddy’s role in school is varied. He might ‘chill out’ in TEAM Hub whilst students are attending their lessons. For those students who access TEAM Hub, arrangements can be made to spend time with Teddy.


Research studies in both Britain and America have concluded that having a dog in a school environment can have many positive benefits – these include helping to calm children down, improving academic achievement, motivating those children who are often not that attentive, teaching responsibility and encouraging children to respect all life. Also, it has been shown that when children share the affection and care of a ‘school’ dog, a bond forms among them and strengthens their team ethics.


Teddy is also be used to hear students read. Dogs give unconditional acceptance, as they are non-judgmental, which is especially crucial to students who struggle to read. He provides confidence to students as he will not make fun of them when they read, but above all he makes an amazing listener, providing the students with a sense of comfort and love.

Could we ask that parents/carers make the school aware if their child has an allergy or phobia which may prevent them from accessing TEAM Hub.  If this is the case, an alternative space can be provided.



Useful Links