Animal Care Curriculum Plan.
Intent
This programme supports the emotional, social, and educational development of students through structured interaction with small animals (e.g., guinea pigs and hamsters). The curriculum builds empathy, responsibility, and regulation while embedding cross-curricular skills in science, PSHE, and life skills. Activities are designed to be therapeutic and accessible to all learners.
Termly overview
Autumn Term 1
Caring for Our Classroom Creatures
Focus
Introduction to animals, basic care routines, hygiene, empathy, and observation
Objectives
Meet the animals, set up habitats
Learn feeding, cleaning, and handling routines
Reflect on emotional responses and responsibilities
Autumn 2
Building Bonds and Animal Behaviour
Focus
Deeper understanding of animal behaviour, communication, and wellbeing
Objectives
Observing and interpreting animal behaviour
Recognising signs of stress, health issues, or contentment
Introducing enrichment activities (e.g., toys, mazes)
Recognising signs of stress, health issues, or contentment
Group responsibility and teamwork in care routines
Spring 1
Our Animal Responsibilities
Focus
Leadership, independence, and links to real-world animal care
Objectives
Pupils take on rotating leadership roles in care routines
Create guides or tutorials for new students
Link to roles such as pet shop worker or vet assistant
Spring 2
Science of Animal Care
Focus
Biological links to curriculum – habitats, diets, classification, life cycles
Objectives
Investigate guinea pig and hamster biology
Compare to wild animals (urban wildlife)
Link to sustainability and ethical animal treatment
Summer 1
Planning for Pet Wellbeing
Focus
Problem-solving and planning
Objectives
Design ideal habitats on paper or using small models
Troubleshooting real care issues (e.g., boredom, mess, nutrition)
Develop checklists and wellbeing trackers
Summer 2
Celebration and Reflection
Focus
Consolidation, showcasing, and personal growth
Objectives
Pupils deliver presentations or mini exhibitions about what they’ve learned
Reflective journals and emotional growth mapping
Class discussion on future animal care or interest
Assessment Methods
Practical checklists for cleaning, feeding, handling
Observation logs and behaviour notes
Reflection journals and group discussions
End-of-term creative outputs (posters, presentations, guides)
Cross-Curricular Links
Science: Animal biology, habitats, food chains, classification
PSHE: Emotional literacy, responsibility, empathy, teamwork
Maths: Measuring food, tracking routines, building schedules
English: Writing reflections, instruction guides, speaking in presentations
Art & DT: Designing habitats, posters, enrichment objects
Resources Needed
Guinea pigs and hamsters with suitable habitats and care supplies
Cleaning tools, feeding logs, handwashing stations
Reflection journals, drawing materials, animal fact sheets
Safe enrichment items (e.g., tunnels, chew toys)
Differentiation & Inclusion
Visual aids, task cards, and simplified routines
Adult support or peer modelling where needed
Flexibility in communication: drawings, oral reflection, written work
Emotional check-ins and sensory-friendly spaces
Safeguarding & Risk Assessment
Clear hygiene and supervision protocols
Allergy awareness and medical planning
Weekly welfare checks for animals
Regular review of safety and ethical treatment
Monitoring and Evaluation
Weekly staff debriefs on engagement and progress
Pupil voice feedback each half term
Behavioural impact observations linked to EHCP targets
Annual review of the curriculum with updates based on pupil needs and outcomes
Year-by-Year Breakdown: Animal Care Curriculum
Year 7
Introduction to Animal Care
Theme
Getting to Know Our Animals
Focus
Building confidence, understanding basic care needs, and introducing emotional reflection.
Key learning
Meeting classroom animals: guinea pigs and hamsters
Understanding basic needs: food, water, shelter, enrichment
Learning safe handling and hygiene routines
Introduction to daily and weekly care tasks
Observing animal behaviour
Recording care in simple logs or visual timetables
Group discussions on feelings during care tasks
Outcomes
Care posters
Feeding and cleaning rota
Emotional reflection sheets
Year 8
Developing Awareness and Teamwork
Theme
Working Together to Care
Focus
Developing shared responsibility and deeper observation skills.
Key learning
Recap and reinforce Year 7 routines
Take more independent roles in rotas and responsibilities
Group collaboration to solve care challenges (e.g., what happens if food is forgotten?)
Introducing basic enrichment (toys, tunnels, activities)
Documenting animal preferences and behaviour
Supporting peers in animal handling
Outcomes
Group reflection journals
Enrichment design posters
Updated care protocols based on team evaluations
Year 9
Animal Behaviour and Emotional Connections
Theme
Understanding Animal Behaviour
Focus
Linking animal care to emotional development and building leadership in practical tasks.
Key learning
Understanding animal communication and body language
Creating observation logs to track changes over time
Designing basic enrichment items and testing their effects
Reflecting on emotions linked to care responsibilities
Leading group sessions or guiding younger students through routines
Outcomes
Behaviour tracking sheets
Mini-enrichment projects
Reflective writing: "How caring for animals helps me"
Year 10
Independent Practice and Scientific Understanding
Theme
Animal Wellbeing and Responsibility
Focus
Independent decision-making and linking care to science
Key learning
Developing independent care plans
Investigating signs of poor health and how to respond
Exploring animal biology: digestion, habitats, senses
Comparing domesticated vs. wild animals
Creating detailed care logs and self-evaluations
Group projects on animal welfare
Outcomes
Care plans
Health check posters
Scientific reports or presentations
Year 11
Leadership, Mentoring, and Future Pathways
Theme
Leading with Care
Focus
Culminating knowledge and mentoring younger peers.
Key learning
Taking on leadership/mentoring roles during care sessions
Designing and delivering a care guide or training session
Creating enrichment plans with evidence-based rationale
Exploring careers related to animal care
Final portfolio of care journey from Year 7–11
Planning a celebration or presentation event
Outcomes
Animal care guide or video
Presentation on learning journey
Future goals statement (related to animal care or skills developed)