At Rise Park Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to supporting the positive mental health and well-being of our whole school community. We believe that mental health and well-being is just as vital to our lives as physical health and is everyone’s responsibility. We know that everyone experiences life challenges that can make us feel vulnerable and, at times throughout our lives, anyone may need additional emotional support. Our view is that positive mental health is in everybody’s interest and that we all have a role to play.
At our school we:
- Help children to understand their emotions and feelings
- Ensure children feel comfortable sharing any concerns or worries with staff
- Support children to form and maintain relationships
- Encourage self-esteem and ensure children know that they are unique individuals
- Inspire children to be confident and to be independent free speakers without judgement
- Help children to develop emotional resilience and to manage difficult challenges
We offer different levels of well-being support for our children:
Tier 1: To meet the needs of all our pupils through our overall ethos and our wider curriculum.
Tier 2: For those who may have short-term needs and those who may feel vulnerable by life experiences such as bereavement. For pupils who need more differentiated support and resources or specific targeted interventions, such as nurture provision, work with an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) or drawing and talking.
Tier 3: For those who may need support from other professionals we offer MHST (mental health support team) CAMHS, BEHMS. This includes making referrals.
Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) are becoming increasingly popular in educational settings, and for good reason; they provide a unique, holistic approach to support the cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being of children and young people and as well as supporting individual students, a Therapy Dog’s presence in school can have a hugely positive impact on the educational environment in general.
AAI involves the utilisation of animals as a form of educational enhancement, harnessing the human-animal bond to promote improvement in human health, educational goals, and socialisation processes.
- Understanding Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)
Animal-Assisted Interventions encompass a variety of activities that include animals as an integral part of a therapeutic or educational process. These interventions can take multiple forms, including Animal-Assisted Education (AAE) and Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA).
- Benefits of AAI in Schools
Working with animals in schools can bring about a host of benefits, affecting different areas of development in children and young people. These include:
- Emotional Growth and Support:
- Reduction in Anxiety
- Emotional Regulation:
- Social Skills and Relationship Building:
- Enhanced Empathy
- Improved Interactions
- Educational Enhancement and Cognitive Development:
- Increased Engagement
- Diverse Learning
- Behavioural Improvements:
- Decrease in Disruptive Behaviours
- Enhanced Self-Esteem
- Considerations for Implementation
- We have, of course, considered certain factors for successful implementation. These include the selection of a suitable Therapy Dog, professional staff training, health and safety measures, and inclusive practices.
Our Therapy Dog and handler have undergone rigorous training. Through the provision of expert services on this basis, risk assessments, proper hygiene practices and safety protocols are carefully observed to prevent allergies or injuries. Additionally, sessions are structured to provide important education whilst ensuring safe interactions.
In conclusion, Animal-Assisted Interventions at Rise Park Primary and Nursery School present an innovative approach to support the holistic development of children and young people. By integrating AAI into the educational environment, we can provide a multi-faceted experience that not only enhances academic learning but also promotes emotional, social, and behavioural growth.
Lead staff members
Gina Scholten: Mental Health and Well-being Lead
Julia Lamb and Susan Watts – ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants)
Julia Lamb – Drawing and Talking
Trained in theraplay principles
- Amanda Hall
- Susan Watts
- Natalie Hobsters
- Tina Palin
- Amanda Koulouri
- Maria Kasza
- Sue Richmond
- Alison Bragg
Wellbeing Team
We have a Well-being Team who meet regularly and represent both children and staff. We strongly believe that well-being should be embedded in every aspect of school life, to promote a happy and healthy school community.
Useful Links and Contacts
Be U Support | Free Mental Health Service for Children and Young People
Resources for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants – ELSA Support
Social prescribing can support you with your mental health, Housing, benefits and financial support, employment, training, social activities and support groups. To access this support you need to be a patient at the following GP practices:
St Albans Medical Centre
Leen Valley Medical Centre
Parkside Medical Centre
Rise Park Medical Centre
Southglade Medical Centre
Referrals can be arranged through the reception team at your GP practice or speak to Mrs Lamb in school.
