Our pets at William Harding

At William Harding we believe having animals as pets in school is hugely important for all our pupils and staff.  Our community is currently made up of over 800 pupils and a wide ranging number of school pets.

Having school pets fits with our curriculum approach and our vision;

• School Values of; Respect, Responsibility and Collaboration 

• School Motto of; ‘Be kind’

  Benefits of school pets

• Pets can encourage a child’s learning needs, especially in reading, communication, observation and speaking. This is a useful tool when teaching all children but can be particularly helpful for those with special educational needs (SEN)

• They can help children with behavioural needs as time with the pets can be used as a reward or relaxation

• For many children, it will be their only contact with a pet as they don’t have them at home

Evidence indicates that benefits include;

• Cognitive – companionship with a pet stimulates memory, problem-solving and game-playing. Reading to a pet can be very beneficial as pets give unconditional acceptance and are non-judgemental. Pets make amazing listeners.

• Social – a pet provides a positive mutual topic for discussion and encourages responsibility, wellbeing and collaboration with others.

• Emotional – a school pet improves self-esteem, acceptance from others and lifts mood, often provoking laughter and fun. Pets can also teach empathy, compassion and respect for other living things as well as relieving anxiety.

• Physical – interaction with a furry friend reduces blood pressure, provides tactile stimulation, assists with pain management, gives motivation and stimulates the senses.

• Environmental – a pet in a school increases the sense of a family environment with strong caring relationships, with all of the above benefits continuing long after the school day is over.

Click below to find out more;

Are classroom pets the answer to better learning?

Meet our School Pets

All our school pets are cared for by the staff and our Animal Advocates. This team of pupils support other pupils in learning how to care for and interact with small pets. You can read about the benefits of school pets below.

School Gerbil

Salt is our delightful school gerbil, who lives just outside the main school hall. Full of energy, curiosity and character, Salt is a much-loved member of the William Harding community.

Throughout the day, pupils enjoy stopping by to say hello as they move around the school. Whether Salt is busily exploring, scampering through tunnels, or gathering bedding for a cosy nap, he never fails to bring a smile to children's faces!

Office Hamster

Cookie lives in the school office and is a much-loved member of the William Harding family. He enjoys meeting visitors and especially looks forward to his regular visits from the children, who are always excited to stop by and say hello.

Known for his friendly and gentle nature, Cookie is happiest when he is receiving attention and making new friends. He loves being fussed over and is always keen to investigate if anyone has a tasty treat or snack nearby!

Cookie helps bring a smile to pupils, staff and visitors alike, and his cheeky personality makes him a very popular resident. Whether he is relaxing in the office or greeting his latest visitors, Cookie is always ready to brighten someone's day!

Year 4 Guinea Pig - Biscoff

Biscoff is the much-loved guinea pig who lives with our Year 4 pupils and has become a valued member of the William Harding family. Friendly, curious and full of character, Biscoff enjoys exploring her habitat, investigating new toys and settling into her favourite cosy spots.

The children take great pride in helping to care for Biscoff and have learnt how to handle her gently and responsibly. Looking after her helps pupils develop important qualities such as kindness, patience and respect for animals.

One of the highlights of the day is watching Biscoff scurry through her tunnels, explore her surroundings and eagerly greet familiar faces. She is always a popular visitor in the classroom, and the children love spending time with her and learning more about guinea pig care.

Biscoff brings daily joy to Year 4 and the wider school community. Her gentle nature and playful personality make her a wonderful companion and we are delighted to have her as part of life at William Harding School.

School Chickens

Our school chickens are very happy residents of Cluckingham Palace, their specially designed home on the school field. With plenty of space to scratch, peck and explore, they are an important and much-loved part of life at William Harding School.

The chickens are always busy, whether they are searching for tasty treats, dust bathing in the sunshine or chatting away to one another. Their amusing personalities and curious nature make them a favourite with pupils and staff alike, and many children enjoy visiting them to see what they are getting up to each day.

Pupils enjoy observing their behaviour and discovering how chickens live, eat and interact with one another. These experiences help foster kindness, respect and a deeper understanding of caring for living creatures.

Cluckingham Palace has become a popular landmark around the school and our feathered friends bring joy, excitement and plenty of entertainment to the school community. We are proud to have them as part of the William Harding family, and they certainly enjoy all the attention they receive from their many visitors!