St Peter’s Droitwich CofE Academy felt that pupils could be supported to better engage through animal care, bringing a sense of calm to the school day for all – so adopted Munchy and Crunchy from a local rescue centre with the help of a Public Health wellbeing grant from Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner.
Therapy animals, such as guinea pigs, can have a positive impact on children’s mental wellbeing. They can help engagement in learning, provide comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance social skills, and help children learn about responsibility and empathy through pet care.
Munchy and Crunchy now spend their week being cared for by all year groups across the school and go home with a teaching assistant at weekends and holidays. The grant enabled the purchase of a hutches, indoor and outdoor runs, and other pet care accessories.
You can hear below from pupils’ how loved the guinea pigs are at school, helping them to calm and bring a smile:
‘Thursdays are the best days we have in Year 4 because that is the day we get to have Munchy and Crunchy. They are so cute and I love having them part of our St Peter’s family’ Martha
‘I like having Munchy and Crunchy because they help us to be calm after lunch time. We need to be quiet around them.’ Nancy.
‘They are kind of like therapy dogs, only they are guinea pigs!’ William
‘They cheer you up when you are feeling sad’ Oliver
“When I feel scared to come into school, going to spend time with Crunchy and Munchy helps me feel calm before I go into class. If I complete some of my work as a treat I get to chop up some food for them and I love to use the hoover at the end of the day to clean them up as the poop a lot.” Teddy
Teacher, Caroline Simms added “Munchy and Crunchy are therapy for the children as well as our staff!!!”
To find out more about Public Health wellbeing grants for schools, please visit our webpage: Public Health Innovation Grant for Educational Settings | Worcestershire County Council
