Pupils at Corsham Primary School are paw-fecting reading skills with the help of study buddy Olive the greyhound.

Since Christmas, four-year-old Olive, has been visiting children at the school’s Sunshine group, with owner Emma Ratcliffe, 47, who is the Bath events co-ordinator for Greyhound Rescue West of England.

Olive, who was destined for a racing career before being abandoned as a puppy in Ireland, helps the children to focus as they read to her.

Headteacher Fiona Allen, who is a volunteer with GRWE, approached Mrs Ratcliffe with the idea of bringing Olive in after being inspired by a reading education assistant dogs programme run in American schools.

Mrs Allen said: “We have two specialist learning centres, both of which cater for fabulous children who need a different sort of curriculum.

“I have always had it in my mind to involve a special dog in the life of our children who have special educational needs.

“This has been a brilliant opportunity for them to learn all sorts of new skills.”

The workshops, which take place every few weeks, typically involve the students reading to Olive, as well as painting and drawing. They also take her for walks and learn about pet care.

Mrs Ratcliffe, who has taken in greyhounds for 10 years and has five other dogs, said: “For some children, it can be the hardest thing in the world, reading to an adult. The benefit of reading to dogs is that they don’t judge, they just sit and listen, allowing the children to develop their confidence.

“I think it is great to explore different ways of teaching our children, as not everyone is the same. This programme seems to give them real focus as they develop in their own personal space.”

Since being introduced to pupils at an assembly, Olive has become something of a celebrity at the school, even getting her picture on the staff notice board.

Mrs Ratcliffe, an administrative assistant, said: “The sessions work really well, as the pupils love trying to impress Olive and she really enjoys the attention. She’s a real show off.”

During recent sessions, Olive has taken the lead, welcoming her apprentice, Tim – one of Mrs Ratcliffe’s other dogs – to the Sunshine group and further assisting the children.

As part of the programme, the Sunshine group has sponsored a dog called Barney through GRWE’s sponsor a dog scheme and is planning a fundraising campaign to support another.

For more information on the rescue organisation, visit www.grwe.com.