Children at Redriff Primary School City of London Academy, a school accredited by the National Autistic Society, will soon be welcoming a new class mate named Luna who will be supporting pupils with autism.

Luna, a golden retriever poodle cross, will be joining the pupils at the Rotherhithe school next year to work as a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection, comfort and have a calming influence with the ability to help social interaction amongst children.

Luna, who is one years old, is undergoing puppy training before being trained as a therapy dog.

Jack Gibbs, Luna’s owner and assistant headteacher at Redriff Primary, said:

“At the moment Luna visits the school three times a week allowing her to get familiar with the children and the school’s surroundings.

“She lives with me at home when she is not working.

“While she is here she goes on walks with children and is being trained to stand, sit and fetch.

“Her training to be a therapy dog will start in a few months’ time where she will be trained by professionals to gear her up to support the children through various activities.” 

Luna, who is the first therapy dog for the school, will undergo training with a charity that specialises in training dogs to work in schools.

Mr Gibbs said: “We hope that Luna is able to be a loving companion for the children and encourage them emotionally, physically and socially. She will help the children reach their full potential.”

Redriff Primary School City of London Academy City is part of the City of London Academies Trust, which runs the City of London Corporation’s sole sponsored academies.

Notes to Editors

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation’s academies

The City of London Corporation has a unique family of schools comprising one maintained primary school, 10 sponsored or co-sponsored academies in London boroughs, and three independent schools of which two are located within the Square Mile.

The City of London Corporation sponsors, co-sponsors or governs the following schools:

Co-sponsored academies

O City of London Academy, Islington (co-sponsor City, University of London)

O The City Academy, Hackney (co-sponsor KPMG)

City of London Academies Trust:

O City of London Academy (Southwark)

O Redriff Primary, City of London Academy

O Galleywall Primary, City of London Academy

O City of London Primary Academy Islington

O City of London Academy Highgate Hill

O City of London Academy Highbury Grove

O City of London Academy Shoreditch Park

O Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre City of London Academy

Local Authority maintained school:

O Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School

Independent:

O City of London School

O City of London School for Girls

O City of London Freemen’s School