Furry Friends Therapy

25/07/2025

🐽 Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know pigs are as clever as a 3-year-old child?

That’s right – they can solve puzzles, recognise their own names, and even paint (with supervision, of course!) 🎨

Our resident porkers love a good treat-based challenge and are always curious about what’s going on. We haven’t tried painting yet… but who knows what’s coming next 👀

Pigs aren’t just cute – they’re compassionate, intelligent, and full of personality.

24/07/2025

Apologies for the delayed post (it’s being rather busy) but here are some photos from Days 2 and 3 of Summer Club ….

24/07/2025

Day four of HAF summer club, and a good time was had by all! Special thanks to the boys for giving Fred the pig a lovely back brushing, he absolutely loved the attention!

23/07/2025

✨ Emotional wellbeing through animals – it’s what we do best.

Our therapy animals are a calming, consistent presence in SEN classrooms, helping children feel seen, safe and supported. Whether it’s soothing sensory regulation, building confidence through animal care, or just offering quiet companionship – we meet children where they are.

If you’re a teacher or SENCO, let’s build something beautiful together 💛

We can create tailored sessions, enrich your school day, and help your learners thrive in ways that are gentle, joyful and deeply impactful.

Let’s make magic happen 🐾

21/07/2025

Day 1 of our HAF Summer Club 2025. Lots of fun and happy faces. Big thanks to Claire at The Grub Hub for the fantastic food.

21/07/2025

Say hello to Shelly 🐢 – our wise, slow-moving, endlessly fascinating tortoise.

Shelly reminds us that not everything needs to be fast-paced. In a world that moves quickly, she teaches:

🕰️ Patience – Sometimes it’s okay to take your time
🌿 Stillness – Observing is just as important as doing
👀 Curiosity – The world looks different when you explore at your own pace

Children love getting to know her gentle nature and unique personality. She’s a calming presence, and a wonderful way to introduce mindfulness, respect and wonder.

Shelly shows us that small, slow and steady can be beautiful 💚

21/07/2025

This article highlights the importance of our services. If children are given the right support, then their school attendance will improve.

The cause of increasing absences in Oxfordshire is often put down to emotionally-based school avoidance.

19/07/2025

☀️ A little update and reminder for our home educating families…

Our Home Education sessions have now finished for the summer holidays, as we move into our HAF Club programme, running daily throughout August.

We’ve absolutely loved sharing space, learning and laughter with our home ed community this year 💚

Home Ed sessions will return in September – and we can’t wait to welcome you back!

In the meantime, we wish you a summer full of muddy knees, wild adventures and calm moments 🐾🌼

18/07/2025

Summer club is almost here!
The bunting is up, the ponies are poised, the sheep are smiling, the forest is ready and waiting, and the games and crafts are all in place. The staff are super excited, so...all we need now is lots of children to enjoy it all! Looking forward to seeing everyone over the next six weeks for a summer of fun. 🌞🌞🌞

17/07/2025

Learning doesn’t have to happen in a classroom 🌳

Our forest school set-up gives children a safe, structured outdoor space where they can explore, create and connect. Whether it’s building dens, making natural art, observing wildlife or simply feeling the breeze in their hair – learning here is hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in nature.

Outdoor learning supports confidence, problem-solving, social development and emotional regulation. It also encourages children to take safe risks, work together and celebrate the natural world.

Rain or shine, the forest classroom is open 🌿

17/07/2025

We had a lovely time attending a Summer Fayre at a local school.

15/07/2025

Meet our gentle rabbits – small in size but big in impact 💛🐇

Rabbits can be a wonderful source of sensory regulation. Their soft fur, rhythmic chewing, and calm movements provide comforting, grounding input that helps children feel safe and centred. Stroking a rabbit can soothe a racing mind and ease anxious energy.

But they offer more than sensory calm – they also help nurture connection. Rabbits are social, curious, and responsive. Children learn how to approach gently, wait patiently, and engage respectfully. It’s a beautiful way to practise empathy and build trust – without needing words.

Sometimes the smallest friends make the biggest difference 🐾