Shefford Lower School

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Our School Pets

Rosco 

Rosco is a Cockapoo. He is very sociable, friendly, well-trained dog, who is also a hypoallergenic breed that is well known to be good with families with allergies.

He lives with Mrs Hall and her family and enjoys seeing pupils out on his walks around the local area. 

Since September of 2020, Rosco has been a popular member of our school.

He enjoys meeting and greeting children and parents in the morning and supporting different children during the day, both individually and in small groups. Children enjoy reading to him, playing or walking him during their sessions. Rosco spends lots of time in Mrs Hall’s classroom but also visits other classes to see what is going on. He loves seeing children in the corridor or popping out to see children during breaks.

All children participate in an annual assembly to support working with Rosco. This is supported by The Blue Cross charity education team. Their messages helped us to understand how to be around dogs in the community as well as Rosco in school.
Rosco will only work with children who have permission to work with him. This is sought when pupils first join the school.

Rosco has a social story that has been shared with all children in the school and is regularly used with children to remind them of the rules around him.

Rosco’s social story, our school policy and risk assessment can be seen here below:

Dog Policy

Rosco Social Story

 

 

Steven 


Steven is a Hermann’s tortoise, a species well known for its gentle nature and fondness for warmth and sunshine.

At 13 years old, Steven is still relatively young—Hermann’s tortoises can live for several decades, sometimes even up to 75 years or more!

His slow-paced, peaceful personality makes him a truly special companion.

Steven lives with Miss Cooper and her family, where he is cherished and well cared for. He enjoys a comfortable life filled with affection, cozy spots to bask, and, of course, his absolute favourite treat: watermelon!

Like many tortoises, Steven loves juicy, hydrating fruits, and watching him munch contentedly on a slice of watermelon is a joy in itself.

Calm and quiet by nature, Steven has a soothing presence that brings peace to any environment. This makes him a perfect companion not only at home but also in the classroom. At school, Steven plays a unique and valuable role—he helps children regulate their emotions.

His steady, quiet presence offers comfort and calm, creating a safe, peaceful space where students can slow down, refocus, and find their emotional balance.