East Finchley’s Archer Academy in North London is asking for donations to help it continue bringing ponies into school to support the mental health of its pupils.
The school has been trialing equine therapy for key students to counter some of the negative effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on their mental health.
The first three sessions were funded out of the school’s budget. However, it cannot afford to fund future sessions.
“It’s well-accepted that the pandemic — and the related move to home learning — has taken its toll on the mental health of the nation’s schoolchildren,” said a statement.
“Given the impact [the equine therapy] is already having, the school’s leaders are seeking donations from the wider community so that they can continue to offer the therapy to students.”
Senior assistant headteacher Jo Mahoney, who is responsible for the pastoral care of the school’s 800+ students, leads the equine therapy programme and said the ponies have “a calming effect” on pupils.
“Covid-19 has been hard for everyone, but it’s fair to say that some of our students, particularly those with learning difficulties or complex emotional needs, have struggled more than others,” said Jo.
“We are determined to do everything we possibly can to help them settle back into school life and overcome the trauma of the last 18 months, and equine therapy is a brilliant solution.”
The sessions are run on site at the Archer Academy by Lotte Carlebach, a qualified equine therapist.
She works with small groups of students, helping them interact with the ponies in a mindful way, helping develop their self-awareness, communication skills and empathy, and boost their self-esteem.
“It’s wonderful to watch the students interacting with the ponies,” added Jo.
“It has a truly calming effect on them, which is just what they need after the upheaval of the last year or so. But it’s more than that; Lotte is also teaching them about the ponies’ herd dynamics, which supports them to navigate the group dynamics they encounter at school.
“For students who don’t find this easy or instinctive, and who have spent too much time isolated at home, this is a brilliant way to learn.
“We’re already seeing the positive impact after just a few sessions, and we would love to be able to continue, but it’s not something that the school budget will cover,” continued Jo.
“It would be brilliant if a member of the wider community, or perhaps people or organisations within the equine world, would be willing to help. We’re keeping our fingers and hooves crossed.”
To find out more about the programme, or to offer financial support to the school, contact Angela Hay by email: Ahay@Thearcheracademy.org.uk.
Find out more about Lotte Carlebach’s work here.
