A NEW staff member has taken a Southampton junior school by storm.

But it’s Winston’s bright eyes and waggy tail rather than his teaching qualifications that have already made a huge impact on the 314 pupils at Beechwood Junior School in Bitterne.

Winston is only five months old, but the cockapoo dog, who has just finished his puppy training, has been at the school since the new academic year started last month.

He is owned by former Year 6 teacher and now head of standards, Tania Cotton, 31. She brings the dog in every morning at 8am when Winston starts his day at Beechwood’s breakfast club.

The pet spends his day being looked after by staff members and pupils alike.

A rota system allows every child to have play time with the animal. Children who are well behaved are also allowed “golden time”, which allows them to brush the dog and clean his eyes among other duties.

The school was given an outstanding rating by Ofsted last year. This success, along with a rising local population, has allowed bosses to form more classes and hire more staff, including Winston.

Owner Tania said: “He is a celebrity. All the children say hello to Winston even when he’s just passing by.

"Having a dog in the school gives responsible pet ownership and they get to see the dog’s point of view.

"Parental support for this has been great and often children are telling their parents that they now want a dog at their own home.”

Beechwood also has six chickens, which have been at the school for eight months and live in a shelter in the playground. They produce eggs which are used in the school’s cooking, breakfast and after-school clubs.

The school also focuses on democracy. The school council contains one student from each year group representing the children’s points of view.

Tania added: “We are big on children having their say and hold an open week once a term for parents wishing to sit in with their children during lessons.

"We have colour linked houses, where children get to make new friends by being on a team mixed right from Year 3 up until Year 6.

"They compete against each other and earn prizes for getting the most overall team points.”