CHILDREN’S attendance and reading has improved at Goddard Park Primary all thanks to new classroom assistant... with a difference.

Because Quattro is a three-year-old chocolate Labrador.

The dog has been helping Year 6 pupils at the school sit down to enjoy reading and he even provides emotional support to youngsters who are struggling to settle.

Teacher and owner Leanne Rogers told the Adver: “He does a snuggle position with them and he will even focus on the page. It helps to give reading another purpose and shows if he can read so can they.”

Quattro even helps reduce bad behaviour and has improved attendance.

“Sending a dog in rather than a human can calm the situation much quicker,” she said.

“If he hears crying he will come and nudge their hands.

“We have water monitors to fill his water every day, and we had around 10 children who did it and their attendance improved by eight per cent, which is huge.”

Quattro has learnt to read his own name and can distinguish between two words to do tricks such as sit, roll and bow.

“Dogs are a lot smarter than we give them credit for,” added Leanne.

Year 6 pupil Faith said: “He’s a good dog, he makes us really happy and makes us laugh when he doesn’t listen. He’s a bit of a princess.”

Quattro is a pupil and is currently working towards a qualification from the charity Dogs Helping Kids.

After he completes the three-year course he will become fully recognised as one of the School Dog Team, the same standard as a trained guide dog.

Drove Road Vets handed over £1,300 on Friday to go towards the charity to help train more dogs like Quattro.

Lynne Gaskarth, practice director at the practice, told the Adver: “We’ve seen him at work and I’ve seen him in action - he’s brilliant.

“It’s amazing how intelligent they can be.There all kinds of helping dogs, guide dogs, hearing dogs, that do these sorts of things.

“They’re quite emotionally sensitive, they will pick up on children that are anxious or frustrated or annoyed.

“We are quite proud to be involved because it’s really beneficial area of work and children do see a huge benefit from having an animal involved with their support.”