CHILDREN starting back at one primary school after the Christmas holidays have been welcomed by a furry friend.

Worsbrough Common Primary School pupils were greeted back at school by cockapoo puppy Rhubarb on Monday and spent most of the week getting to know her.

The 14-week-old pup belongs to the school’s head teacher Rebecca Paddock and is being brought in for a variety of different reasons, including helping SEN (special educational needs) students.

“We got Rhubarb at Christmas and she’s being introduced to the school,” said Rebecca.

“She’s a cockapoo and because of her breed they don’t shed fur so it reduces the chance of children having an allergic reaction to her.

“The reason she is coming in is to help children’s mental wellbeing. She’s been up to all sorts of things this week and has been settling in well. So far she has been listening to children reading and has been greeting children when they come into school.

“One of our SEN children is writing her a name label and Rhubarb will be in when it’s appropriate for her.

“She has her own base where she stays so she can have time away from the children and space but will be involved in a lot of things in the school.”