Pinders Pets

Research shows that pets can help to build children’s empathy, responsibility and life skills.  Before we opted to get a school pet, we did research to make sure we could give them all the care they need. 

Benefits of school pets

• Having animals to care for ties in with the school curriculum of emotional and social needs – empathy, care, love, compassion, understanding, commitment and building confidence.
• Pets can encourage a child's learning needs, especially in reading, communication, observation and speaking.
• They can help children with behavioural needs as time with the pets can be used as a reward.
• For many children, it will be their only contact with a pet as they don't have them at home.

• Pets build self esteem - Helping to take care of a pet gives a child a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially if the animal is able to return the affection.

• Pets teach responsibility - Even a small child can begin to learn to care for the needs of another living being

To read more research on the benefits of classroom pets, visit the link below: 

Billy - Our Tortoise

Our resident tortoise is called Billy and was donated by a parent.

Billy is at tortoise which means he is a reptile and has scales all over his skin. He also has a strong protective shell which he can pull his head, legs and tail inside to avoid predators. Tortoises are mostly vegetation, so Billy eats lots of fresh vegetables every day.

Blueberry and Muffin -  Our Guinea Pigs

Blueberry and Muffin are our resident guinea pigs. Because they prefer a quieter environment, they live in a beautiful multi-storey home in our Rainbow room. 

Guinea pigs a kind of rodent. Despite their name, they are not pigs and are not from Guinea. They are domesticated animals which originated in the Andes. Guinea pigs are herbivores, so Blueberry and Muffin enjoy a diet of high-quality hay, pelleted guinea pig food and limited amounts of fresh vegetables and fresh fruit. 

Click on the link below to find out more about Guinea Pigs.

British Values Link

Having animals in school which pupils have to care for and be responsible for contributes to their development of British Values and citizenship.

• Pupils are given democratic opportunities voting for the names of the pets and also in applying to be a pet leader/career.
• Pupils have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about others and the world around them.
• Pupils understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions on the welfare of the pets.
• Pupils understand how they can contribute positively to society.
• Pupils understand that being a 'respectful individual' is being a good citizen who who is able to act respectfully towards ourselves and others - including animals.