Therapy Dogs


 

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For several years, Cromwell has been fortunate to welcome Nick and his wonderful therapy dogs, Finn and Phoebe, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting pupils’ wellbeing. Their visits have become a valued part of life at our college, offering calm, comfort and connection to pupils who need it most.

Nick volunteers his time with extraordinary generosity, bringing both experience and compassion to every session. His commitment means pupils from across the College can access support for a wide range of needs — from anxiety and low confidence, to bereavement, school attendance, emotional regulation, and simply needing a safe, reassuring presence.

What Finn and Phoebe bring to Cromwell

Therapy dogs are known to reduce stress, build confidence, and help pupils feel emotionally safe. Research shows that therapy dogs can:

  • Lower anxiety and stress levels, helping pupils regulate emotions more effectively
  • Improve communication, social interaction, and confidence through calm, non‑judgemental companionship
  • Support reading, focus and engagement, especially for pupils who feel nervous or overwhelmed in the classroom

Finn and Phoebe embody all of these qualities. Their gentle, steady presence helps pupils open up, talk, reflect, and rebuild confidence in a way that feels natural and safe.

The difference they make:

Across the College, pupils describe their time with Nick and the dogs as calming, uplifting and reassuring. Staff regularly see:

  • Improved emotional regulation
  • Increased confidence and self‑esteem
  • Reduced anxiety during challenging times
  • Greater engagement in learning
  • A sense of belonging and connection

These small moments of comfort often lead to big steps forward and we are deeply grateful for the positive impact Nick, Finn and Phoebe continue to have on our community.

Finn

Learn More

If you’d like to explore the wider work behind therapy dog programmes, you can find out more here:

  • Pets As Therapy (PAT) – the national charity supporting volunteer therapy dog teams across the UK, bringing comfort and companionship to schools, hospitals and community settings. Pets As Therapy | Schools
  • Therapy Dogs in Schools – research and guidance on how therapy dogs support wellbeing, confidence, reading and emotional development in educational settings.  Therapy Dogs in Schools Cambridgeshire | The Dog Mentor