We’ve explored...Nursery pets

Stroking an animal is proven to reduce stress levels and helps us to relax, something that the children and staff at The Old Forge Day Nursery in Findern, Derbyshire are appreciating as they welcome two new rabbits into their setting.

‘One of our massive passions is wellbeing. We have a wellbeing programme for staff and an app with access to counsellors, because we know that if we have happy staff, we then have happy children,’ says nursery manager Amy Weaver.

‘As part of our Covid recovery, we are having a special focus on PSED, because children lost a lot socially during the lockdowns. We have also noticed increased levels of children displaying signs and symptoms of possible autism spectrum disorder. Having animals has always been a big part of the nursery for us because of the learning they bring. We decided to get a couple of new nursery pets because there is something very therapeutic and calming about being around animals. We already have chickens, a therapy dog called Roberta, and now if children are struggling emotionally, if they are new to the setting and feeling anxious, or if they are feeling sad, they can sit and stroke a bunny.’