Last Friday, Inscape House School was acknowledged for its exceptional Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) work, earning a runner-up position in the SEND Provision Award – Specialist School category of the Educate Awards, sponsored by SENDSCOPE.
Head Teacher, Hannah Stollar, expressed her pride in being recognised for the significant impact of AAI on the students:
“It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted for our AAI work—and an even greater accolade to come in as runner-up! We’re thrilled to be recognised on a regional scale for the incredible impact the AAI has on our students here at Inscape House School.”
AAI is a therapeutic approach that leverages the interaction with animals to support mental, physical, social, and emotional development. The type of animal used in therapy varies based on the child’s needs, and can include horses, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, and reptiles.
Led by award-winning AAI Practitioner, Danielle Eaton, Inscape House School offers regular AAI sessions. Danielle ensures the safety and wellbeing of the animals while targeting specific areas of development with the students.
“I like caring for another being. It helps you to be more mindful because each species is different. All of them act in certain ways and it’s a good learning experience. It makes me feel much better just by being around them. It improves my mood so much. These sessions are the best thing that’s happened to me in the last couple of months.”
– Student at Inscape House School
The present AAI animal team includes guinea pigs Patch and Pandora, tortoises Davey and Simba, Stitch the Bearded dragon, hamsters Nibble and Nugget, and Shabba the support dog.
“AAI is more than just spending time with animals. It involves activities like walking, brushing, petting, and caring for an animal, all directed towards fulfilling therapeutic goals,” shares Danielle.
A big cheer for the Inscape House School team!
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