At Rural Learning, our Animal Care Sessions are designed to encourage children and young people to learn about animals and their vital role in our world. These hands-on sessions help those with a keen interest in animals learn how to look after and protect them in a small group setting. We do not encourage the breeding or buying of animals; instead, we utilise our own personal pets and animals from other charities and professional organisations to facilitate learning. Animals can provide a calming and supportive presence, especially for children and young people with additional needs, helping them with self-regulation, staying present, lowering anxiety, making mindful choices, and enhancing responsibility. The welfare of our animals is of utmost importance, therefore, we cannot allow any child or young person who may put them in danger onto our Animal Care Sessions but would advise either other sessions or a look at our available courses – the welfare of our animals is paramount at all times.