A WIRRAL primary school has recruited a new four-legged member of staff in a bid to improve self-esteem and reduce stress in pupils.

Mabel, the cockapoo, has made a huge impact in her first month at Townfield Primary School after acting head teacher Alison Durham put the idea to the school's board of trustees following a year of research.

Alison told the Globe: "It was clear from the evidence available that there are lots of benefits of having a school dog which included improving self-esteem, reducing stress, promoting good behaviour and increasing pupils’ attendance.

"In the few weeks Mabel has been here we are already seeing a positive effect.

"Children who previously had been apprehensive about starting a new school year were really keen to come to school this term and meet Mabel.

"We have also been able to reward children who have shown good behaviour by choosing them to become dog monitors for a week.”

Wirral Globe:

Mabel and her dog monitors at Townfield Primary School

The school chose a cockapoo because it is deemed as an 'intelligent' breed which responds well to training and are good with children.

Mabel sheds very little hair and dander and therefore reduces any risks of allergies to staff and children.

Her next steps are to be trained in sign language so that she can communicate with youngsters who are hard of hearing.

Chairman of the board of trustees Ted Behan said: "It has been fantastic to see what a difference Mabel has made in such a short space of time not only with the children but also with our staff and visitors to school.

"I’m really excited about the next stage of Mabel’s training; she will be taught sign language so she can communicate with our children in the school’s Hearing Support Base.”

Alison and other school staff will receive guidance on how to train Mabel from Erica Peachy who will work through the ‘Good Citizen Dog Scheme’ to Gold level.