Animal-Assisted Learning: An Educator’s Guide

Animal-Assisted Learning is an essential guide to transforming teaching practices through the integration of animals into educational settings.

The book explores how animals can significantly enhance cognitive, emotional and social development, turning education into an engaging, life-affirming experience. Packed with professional wisdom, chapters:

• Delve into the psychological benefits of animal therapy that support mental health, particularly for children with special educational needs or those in early years settings
• Cover the practicalities of bringing animals into your environment, from risk assessments to ethical considerations, ensuring a safe and enriching space for all
• Contain a wealth of real-life case studies illustrating the transformational impact of animal-assisted learning in a range of settings

Combining a theoretical background with detailed practical guidance, this book offers a new way of doing things. It is an essential, inspiring resource for all early years and primary educators, SEND practitioners, care workers and anyone passionate about making learning inclusive, effective and joyful for every child.

Jenny Phillips currently works as a teacher and has qualifications in Farm and Animal Therapy and an MA in Inclusive Education, specifically focusing on the therapeutic use of animals with children who have SEN to help education, development, growth, health and wellbeing. Jenny has previously worked as a paediatric/neonatal nurse and SEND practitioner, and as a lecturer in Child Health at Middlesex University.

Dawn Newman is a communities engagement and membership professional with a background in project management and employability, and an MSc in Digital Journalism. She previously worked for NCFE, where she was responsible for the systems, strategy and forward direction of CACHE Alumni, a membership organisation for care, health, early years and education.