Benefits of Having Animals at St Paul’s
At St Paul’s, our Nurture Farm is an important part of school life and a practical expression of our vision: Learning in God’s Love. With chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, tortoises, an aviary of birds, reptiles (including a bearded dragon and a snake), and plans to introduce goats, our children have daily opportunities to grow, learn and thrive through their interactions with animals.
1. Emotional and Social Development
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Compassion – Caring for rabbits, guinea pigs and birds helps children understand the needs of others, developing empathy and kindness as they nurture living beings.
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Courage – Spending quiet time with animals, such as holding a snake or feeding the bearded dragon, encourages children to step out of their comfort zone and face new experiences with confidence.
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Community – Looking after the animals is often a shared responsibility, strengthening teamwork, communication, and friendships across year groups.
2. Educational Benefits
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Responsibility – Daily routines like feeding chickens, cleaning hutches, or caring for reptiles teach children reliability and perseverance, helping them take pride in their contribution to school life.
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Science and Nature Education – Our farm provides real-world examples for learning: understanding life cycles from eggs to chickens, exploring habitats, and observing how reptiles adapt to their environment.
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Observational Skills – Watching animals closely – from the slow, steady movements of the tortoise to the quick behaviour of guinea pigs – develops focus, curiosity, and careful recording skills.
3. Physical Benefits
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Active Engagement – Practical tasks such as collecting eggs, sweeping enclosures, or preparing food for the animals keep children active, encouraging purposeful movement outdoors.
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Sensory Development – Handling animals provides rich sensory experiences: the soft fur of a rabbit, the hard shell of a tortoise, or the unique texture of reptile scales. These interactions enhance fine motor skills and awareness of the world.
Through the Nurture Farm, our children live out our values of Courage, Compassion and Community every day. It is a place where learning stretches beyond the classroom, where wellbeing and responsibility are nurtured, and where every child is supported on their journey of Learning in God’s Love.
