Animals Magic at Aurora Boveridge College.

“Animals are an important asset to our college. We have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and alpacas, as well as a corn snake, a bearded dragon and a giant African land snail! Our learners work with these animals on a daily basis – they feed them, clean them out, handle and health check them, as well as assisting staff with treatments like nail clipping, grooming and shearing when required.”

Emily says that the benefits are about more than just teaching students practical skills – they help them to manage their emotions, as well as providing a healthy dose of fun: “Grooming and petting our animals is very calming for the students and helps them to manage their anxiety. A favourite time – for students and staff alike– is the annual shearing day in the summer, when the students have to round up the sheep and catch the unruly alpacas. The goats take their chances on this day as well, and try to make a bid for freedom.

Caring for and spending time with animals can help children with additional needs to develop important life skills. It can also have a wide range of social, emotional and mental health benefits.