A two-year-old dog called Simba is helping to support pupils and staff at a St Neots Primary School.

Simba, a cockerpoo breed, joined the staffing team at the Round House Primary Academy when he was just 16 weeks old and is now officially the school dog. Simba, who belongs to headteacher Tracy Bryden, has his photograph on the staff board and attends assemblies and takes part in school activities, including trips.

The school says he has a calming effect on pupils and can improve behaviour and concentration and motivate pupils to learn.

“We chose a Cockerpoo as the most appropriate breed of dog for the school because of its ideal temperament and because it’s hair is hypo allergenic,” said Mrs Bryden.

“Cockerpoos are by nature gentle and friendly creatures. They are also superb working dogs. He has become an integral part of the school, attending local trips with the children in his own high viz jacket, attending assemblies, joining in with classroom learning and in the outdoor learning environment. His photograph appears on the staff photo board and he even has his own diary.”

Year six pupils can book to take him for a walk at lunchtime with a midday supervisor and he has even appeared in a book on working dogs.

“The children all love Simba, and often stop by the office to say hello to him if they are passing.

We understand that it is not possible for all families to have a family dog and therefore we hope that this is an opportunity for children to have a ‘share’ in a dog and gain from a relationship and contact on a regular basis,” said Mrs Bryden.

We understand that it is not possible for all families to have a family dog and therefore we hope that this is an opportunity for children to have a ‘share’ in a dog and gain from a relationship and contact on a regular basis.”

The Round House has recently received a Good News award from the Loves Farm Community Association.

The association said: “The Round House team serve our community brilliant, not only do they operate a school that our community are proud of and want to be a part of but behind the scenes they put in countless extra hours, going the extra mile by serving families and children way beyond what happens in the classroom. The Community Association has been keen to promote good news stories from Loves Farm and by so doing highlight that Loves Farm is the place to live and we really believe that The Round House team are exactly that, a good news story, running a school that people are proud to be a part of and want to attend.”

Mrs Bryden said: “Wow, it is fabulous for The Round House team to be recognised for all the hard work they do day in, day out.”