Oaklands School in Hungerford to feature on CBBC’s Newsround on Monday, June 24 in segment on animal therapy for SEN children
A Hungerford school will feature on a TV programme reporting on the benefits of therapy animals visiting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Oaklands School, located in Charnham Park, will be the focus of a segment in an episode of CBBC’s Newsround which airs on the children’s channel at 7.45am on Monday, June 24.
Oaklands is a co-educational, independent SEN day school that provides specialist support for pupils with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and associated communication and language needs, as well as social, emotional and mental health needs.
Swindon-based Sarah Woodland regularly brings her miniature Shetland ponies, known as the ‘Dinky Ponies’, into school so the pupils can interact with them by stroking and grooming them and decorating their manes with colourful bows.
On Thursday, June 4, the Newsround crew spent several hours filming the children interacting with the ponies around the school and reporter Nina Blissett interviewed several students, including Jamie in Year 9 and Nicole in Year 3.
Oaklands’ acting headteacher Georgios Chatzakis said: “We are thrilled to have Sarah and her Dinky Ponies visit our school regularly.
“The joy and therapeutic benefits they bring to our pupils are truly remarkable. Interacting with the ponies helps our pupils develop essential social and emotional skills in a unique and engaging way.
“The positive impact on their wellbeing has been significant, which is why we have made these visits a regular part of our programme. Each visit is a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
According to the school, studies have shown that interacting with animals can help autistic children reduce stress and anxiety, improve social skills and help with language development and communication skills.
Animal therapy also teaches them about empathy and how to care for something as well as giving the children a sense of responsibility and pride.
Sarah Woodland said: “I love taking the ponies on regular visits to schools. It allows me to witness the improvement first hand that the children show when dealing with the ponies.
“The rapport they build with me and the ponies, and the happiness it brings, really is very special.
“Some children feel very anxious and worried about meeting and dealing with the ponies on our first visit.
“But even after only a few meetings it’s very clear how confident and relaxed they have become working with the ponies, and it’s fabulous to see.”
The report featuring Oaklands School and its visit by the Dinky Ponies is due to be aired on CBBC on Monday, June 24 at 7.45am.
Those who miss the broadcast can catch up on www.bbc.co.uk/newsround or on the BBC iPlayer.
