A SCHOOL'S scheme for a support dog to boost children's results and behaviour has been pulled.

The Grange School in Christchurch had introduced Ruby the support dog last year in a bid to help those struggling with emotional issues.

At the time, Ruby, a King Charles Cavalier, was just 16 weeks old and was undergoing training to work with young people on a one to one basis.

It is believed dogs trained in this manner work with teenagers and have a calming effect on the children.

Head teacher, Jane Asplin-Locke, also said at the time that research showed having a dog in a school can have many positive benefits, including improving academic achievement, motivating children to improve attentiveness and teaching responsibility.

However, it is understood following a meeting of the board at Twynham Learning, the organisation responsible for The Grange School, the decision was made to revisit the scheme under a "more robust policy".

A spokesperson said: "A trial dog policy was agreed for a period of twelve months.

"The review of this trial policy was undertaken by trustees in the autumn term. The trustees agreed that evidence suggests a dog could help to support some students but there would need to be a more robust policy.

"It was agreed that the school should engage with an outside charitable organisation to provide a fully trained learning support dog. This approach would also enable students to fundraise for this charitable provision.

"The trustees are exceptionally supportive of Jane Asplin-Locke, headteacher, and her ability to complete The Grange School’s transformational journey to deliver high quality teaching and learning to the young people of Christchurch."

It is understood students at the school made a video to show the members how the dogs had helped them.