Nando is our school Therapy Dog trained and supported by Assistance Dogs NI. He works alongside his handler, Mrs Boyd and is usually found in our school library! Nando has brothers and sisters across other school in Northern Ireland who also provide AAT in their setting. 

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is simply more than spending time with an animal. It involves specific therapeutic goals and strategies and outcome measures. Assistance Dogs NI have several Animal Assisted Therapy programmes throughout Northern Ireland. 

Nando and Mrs Boyd work alongside groups of children or individuals who may need a little bit of time. School staff love him too! 

Nando helps pupils who have been bereaved, are going through a difficult time at home, having difficulty with friends or just needing space to regulate and be calm. Nando is very gentle with our pupils and they love him very very much. He also does playground duty and classroom visits so everyone gets to see him.