Preston ParkPrimary School an oasis for children and animals
Under the theme ‘Great British Pets’, National Pet Month 2008 called on the nation’s children to help create a modern day Noah’s Ark to reflect the UK’s love of pets and the diversity of the pets we keep. From cats to dogs, guinea pigs to stick insects, we asked children, working with their school or youth group, to pick a pet which they would like to feature on the National Pet Month Noah’s Ark, and make a picture of it. The charity received some fabulous entries and one of the regional winners was the Preston Park Primary School in Wembley. What so delighted the judges about this particular entry was the school had demonstrated a clear love of creatures great and small. Under the principal care of Penney French, the school looks after goats, chickens, rabbits, birds, stick insects and fish. The school also works very closely with 2 local veterinary practices to monitor the health and well being of all the animals to ensure the best care is given. The school is very committed to nature and is planning a nature reserve within their grounds with the help of a grant from the Big Lottery Fund – Breathing Places.
Nicole Harrison and Holly Hunt of National Pet Month visited the school on Thursday 20 November to present the certificate to Penney and the children. The charity invited two special guests along, Jacky Buttle, Head Nurse at the Goddards Veterinary Practice in Wembley and Libby, a 13 year old Jack Russell cross. Libby enchanted the audience with her gentle manner and each child was given the opportunity to stoke her.
According to Penney French: “Our school pets teach the children nurture and responsibility. Children with behavioural problems are calmed with a visit to the animals and those who are shy or are new to speaking English feel more confident in communicating with each other. The animals are a great incentive in encouraging children to write as they are very enthusiastic after seeing them. Many children are not lucky enough to have a pet at home but all our children have the opportunity to get close to and love our school pets”.
Nicole Harrison of National Pet Month adds: “Preston Park Primary School is a lovely oasis for the children and the animals. The environment which has been created for both is impressive. The animals at the school quite clearly play an important role in the children’s education and it is a real opportunity for them to learn some important life skills. We are also pleased to see the local community working together, with the Goddards veterinary practice in Wembley supporting this educational visit”.
