CHILDREN’S mental health and wellbeing is being boosted by four-legged, squeaky pets at St Peters Droitwich CofE Academy, writes Phoebe Mitchell.
Two guinea pigs, Munchy and Crunchy, were adopted by the academy from a local rescue centre after they noticed some students with additional needs should be supported more.
The best way deemed to do that was through animal care.
Therapy animals, such as guinea pigs, can have positive and calming impact on the children’s mental health and learning.
Pet benefits
The animals provide comfort, reduce anxiety, improve engagement in learning and most, importantly, show children the importance of responsibility in pet care.
In the week, the animals spend their time with all year groups, sharing comfort while they get cared for by the pupils.
During the weekend and holidays, they go home with a teaching assistant who loves and caters for them with hutches and indoor and outdoor runs so the animals can run freely after a week of supervision from the children.
One pupil, Oliver, said: “They cheer you up when you’re sad.”
Another, William, added: “I like having them because they help us to be calm after lunchtime.
“Thursdays are the best in year four because that’s the day we get to have Munchy and Crunchy.”
Martha said: “I love having them as a part of our St Peter’s family.”
And Teddy added: “When I feel scared to come into school, going to spend time with Munchy and Crunchy helps calms me before I go into class.
“If I complete some of my work, I get to chop up food for them and I love using the hoover to clean up at the end of the day.”
Reacher, Caroline Simms, said: “Munchy and Crunchy are great therapy for the children and our staff.”
Click here for more about public health wellbeing grants for schools.
