At Polam School & Nursery in Bedford, success starts with a wag of the tail. Ruby, Polam’s gentle therapy dog, is far more than a school mascot. She’s a quiet star with a growing reputation for nurturing young children, not just academically, but emotionally too.
Ruby’s presence is deeply felt across the school, especially during the weekly R.I.S.E. lessons led by Deputy Head and Nursery Manager, Mrs Wharton.
“Children can’t learn if they don’t feel safe, heard, and valued,” explains Mrs Wharton, a trained wellbeing coach. “That’s where R.I.S.E. comes in – it stands for Resilience, Independence, Self-awareness, and Empathy,” she says.
“These are life skills, and we teach them in a way that’s playful, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful.”
So, what does Ruby actually do?
During sessions, Ruby sits or lies alongside the children, giving them the chance to stroke her, brush her fur, or even read stories to her. These simple interactions create a calm, non-judgmental space where children feel comfortable exploring their feelings.
Ruby is often at the centre of breathing exercises or mindfulness practices, offering a living model of calmness to mirror.
“She’s not just sitting there,” says Mrs Wharton. “When a child feels overwhelmed, Ruby instinctively leans closer or rests her head on their lap.
That quiet reassurance gives them the confidence to share what they’re feeling or take a deep breath and re-centre themselves.”
Confidence boost
Many children talk about Ruby at home, sharing how excited they are for lessons where they learn about feelings and get to spend time with her. Staff have noticed how this enthusiasm helps children build confidence and become more comfortable with their emotions.
One child, who previously found it hard to join group activities, now participates more readily, often approaching Ruby when feeling overwhelmed. Over time, this connection has helped the child feel calmer, make friends, and fully engage with classroom life.
Wellbeing at Polam goes far beyond a single lesson. From the warm welcome at the gate to thoughtful transitions and high adult-child ratios, the entire environment is designed to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
The classrooms reflect this too. Polam has moved away from overstimulating displays and embraced calming greens, browns, and hessian textures. Research shows these tones help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
“We’ve seen a huge difference,” says Mrs Wharton. “The children are calmer, more focused, and more connected to their environment.”
And whilst wellbeing comes first, the academic outcomes are exceptional.
“Happy children learn,” says Mr Hazlehurst, Admissions Manager. “That’s why we prioritise wellbeing – and the results speak for themselves.”
Polam was named Best Pre-Prep School in the UK in 2021 and continues to build on that accolade, with an Outstanding rating from Ofsted and Double Excellent from the ISI.
Families are also part of the journey, with open communication and a close-knit community. Find out more at polamschool.co.uk – book a visit and meet Ruby too.
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