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Guinea pigs helping school children feel calm

Sophie Madden
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Nancy, who has blond hair in a ponytail and is wearing a blue gingham dress, sits on the left of the picture, she is holding a white box containing a black-furred guinea pig and is leaning in to stroke him. Isabelle is in the middle, wearing a grey cardigan and blue gingham dress. She has black hair which is also tied back, she is also holding a white box with a label which says "petting box" inside is a long-haired guinea pig, with black, white and brown spots. Their teacher, Caroline Sims, sits to the right of the picture, she has long brown hair and is wearing a blue top with frilled sleeves and white trousers with a blue leaf pattern. She is reaching into the box being held by Isabelle to stroke the guinea pig.BBC
Munchy and Crunchy are cared for by all 450 pupils of St Peter's Droitwich

Two guinea pigs, Munchy and Crunchy, have been recruited to help children with their learning at school.

Staff at St Peter's Droitwich CofE Academy in Worcestershire felt some pupils could benefit from extra help, so adopted the pair from a nearby rescue centre.

The guinea pigs have already had an impact on children's emotional health, giving them a sense of community and responsibility, since their arrival in January, the school said.

While pupils said Munchy and Crunchy help them feel calm as classes have to be quiet when the guineas are in the room.

Two guinea pigs stand on a grey microfibre towel. One has dark brown fur and has a piece of broccoli near to his front paw. The second guinea pig is slightly behind the other, and has a black face, and orange and white fur on top of his head.
Munchy and Crunchy arrived at the school in January

Munchy and Crunchy spend their week being cared for by the pupils from each year group and go home with a teaching assistant at weekends and holidays.

"As one of the mental health and wellbeing leads...I'm always trying to think of ways that we can increase that feeling of responsibility, community, connectivity, and belonging," assistant headteacher Caroline Sims said.

"We do have some children during the school day who become disregulated for whatever reason.

"By having Munchy and Crunchy now well established as part of our school community, we are finding that being around them does allow them to regulate far quicker."

Caroline has long brown hair and is wearing a blue top. She is smiling and to her left can be seen a brown guinea pig hutch.
Assistant headteacher Caroline Sims says having the guinea pigs around is already helping children with their emotions

Year four pupil Nancy said: "When you're doing your work...say if you're really stressed they help you feel calm when you look at them.

"They're just cute and all furry and its nice to look at."

Isabelle, who is also in year four, added: "When we have Munchy and Crunchy, I like it because our class is normally really loud and when they come we always need to be very quiet with them so it is nice and calm."

Two girls sit in a school classroom, behind them is a brown wooden guinea pig hutch. Nancy is on the left of the picture, and has blond hair tied into a ponytail. She is wearing a blue gingham dress. Isabelle sits on the right and is wearing a blue gingham dress with a grey cardigan which has the red logo of her school on the left of her chest. Her hair is dark brown and tied into a half-up hairstyle.
Year Four pupils Nancy and Isabelle say

The adoption process was supported by a Public Health wellbeing grant from Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner which enabled the purchase of a hutches, indoor and outdoor runs, and other pet care accessories.

The county council says therapy animals, like guinea pigs, can aid children's mental wellbeing, supporting engagement in learning, providing comfort, reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing social skills, and helping children learn about responsibility and empathy through their care.

Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing, Satinder Bell, said it helps the children to look forward to coming to school.

"It helps them calm, and reduce their anxiety about coming to school at times.

"And also gives them incentive because once you've finished your school work you have Munchy and Crunchy to play with."

Satinder Bell has long brown hair which is around her shoulders. She is smiling, she is wearing a pink blazer and white shirt with blue, red and yellow patterning.
Councillor Satinder Bell is Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing

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