Supporting Pupil Wellbeing This Easter

Enhancing Engagement Through Animal Interaction

At Maudsley and Bethlem Hospital School, part of The Goldfinch Trust, pupils recently welcomed a group of newly hatched chicks into their learning environment, creating a calm, engaging and uplifting experience across the setting.

Pupils were given the opportunity to observe, hold and help care for the chicks, engaging in ways that felt comfortable and meaningful. For some, this meant hands on interaction and responsibility, while for others, simply watching and listening provided a sense of calm and focus.

Supporting Wellbeing Through Experience

Animal based experiences can play a valuable role within specialist and hospital education settings. They provide a range of benefits, including:

•  Providing a calming sensory focus and supporting emotional regulation
•  Offering a positive and engaging distraction from clinical environments
•  Encouraging the development of empathy and responsibility
•  Supporting confidence through safe and nurturing interaction

Pupil Voice and Engagement

Pupils responded with enthusiasm and care, taking pride in holding and helping to carefully look after the chicks. The experience created moments of genuine joy, with many pupils expressing how much they enjoyed the opportunity.

These shared experiences help to foster connection across the setting, creating a sense of community and positivity within the school day.

A Holistic Approach

This initiative reflects The Goldfinch Trust’s ongoing commitment to delivering enriching experiences that support pupils beyond the classroom. By prioritising wellbeing alongside engagement, the school continues to create opportunities that are both meaningful and impactful.

Experiences like this bring a sense of normality, comfort and enjoyment into the setting, leaving a lasting impression on pupils, staff and the wider school community.