Trauma-Informed,Caninine Assisted Wellbeing Interventions, for Schools and Colleges

Emotional Regulation & SEMH Support in East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire & Northern Lincolnshire

 

Paws4Minds works in partnership with schools and colleges across East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire to deliver structured, trauma-informed Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) that support emotional wellbeing, regulation and positive engagement in learning.

 

Our services are designed to complement existing pastoral, SEND, SEMH and mental health provision, strengthening safe and inclusive educational environments.

 

Working in Partnership with Education Settings

Schools and colleges increasingly support pupils and students affected by trauma, adversity, attachment disruption and emotional distress.

 

Paws4Minds provides evidence-informed, trauma-aware interventions that help learners feel:

• Calmer and emotionally regulated

• Safer within the school or college environment

• More able to engage positively with learning

• Better equipped to manage relationships and behaviour

 

All interventions are aligned with the ARC (Attachment, Regulation, Competency) Trauma-Informed Framework, ensuring support is structured, developmentally appropriate and ethically delivered.

We work collaboratively with senior leadership teams, SENCOs, pastoral leads and safeguarding teams to embed support within each setting’s wider systems of care.

 

Our Education Services

Trauma-Informed Regulation Programme

Animal-Assisted Intervention for Emotional Regulation & SEMH Support

This structured six-session programme delivers trauma-informed Animal-Assisted Intervention in schools and colleges to support pupils and students who may benefit from additional emotional or relational support.

 

Suitable for:

• SEMH pupils

• Students with SEND needs

• Pupils affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

• Learners experiencing anxiety or dysregulation

• Students at risk of disengagement

Programme Outcomes

The programme supports:

• Emotional regulation and calming

• Increased sense of safety and relational trust

• Improved engagement with learning

• Development of positive coping strategies

• Strengthened resilience and self-awareness

Programme Includes

• ​ARC-aligned trauma-informed practice

• Strengths-based approach

• Pre- and post-intervention outcome measures

• Brief written summary to support monitoring and review

Delivery can be one-to-one or small group-based, depending on the needs of the setting.

 

Trauma-Informed Canine Wellbeing Assisted Support Interventions for Staff

Paws4Minds provides CPD and professional development for education staff, supporting deeper understanding of:

• Trauma-informed practice in schools

• Emotional regulation and behaviour through a trauma lens

• Ethical and safe use of Animal-Assisted Interventions

• Practical regulation strategies for classrooms

Training formats include:

• Twilight CPD sessions

• INSET days

• Staff development workshops

• Reflective practice sessions

 

Sessions are practical, reflective and tailored to each school or college.

Trauma-Informed Consultancy for Education Settings

Paws4Minds offers consultancy support to leadership teams seeking to embed trauma-informed approaches and develop safe, ethical Animal-Assisted Intervention provision.

 

Consultancy supports:

• Policy development

• ARC-informed practice embedding

• Safe and ethical AAI implementation

• Strategic wellbeing planning

This collaborative approach ensures sustainability and alignment with safeguarding frameworks.

Who We Work With

 

Paws4Minds partners with:

• Primary Schools

• Secondary Schools

• Special Schools

• SEND & SEMH Provisions

• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

• Alternative Provision

• Further Education Colleges

• Sixth Form Settings

Across East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.

Safeguarding, Risk Management & Ethical Practice

Safeguarding, risk management and animal welfare are central to all Paws4Minds work.

 

All interventions:

• Operate in line with school safeguarding policies

• Include risk assessments

• Prioritise pupil and staff safety

• Protect animal welfare through structured rest periods and ethical practice

Our work complements existing pastoral and mental health provision — it does not replace statutory services.

 

Meet the Practitioner

Ian Blakemore is a CPCAB Level 5 Mental Health & Wellbeing Awareness Practitioner and an ARC Trauma-Informed Champion, with experience across schools and CAMHS inpatient settings.

He is supported by Noodle, a carefully selected wellbeing support dog working within structured Animal-Assisted Intervention practice.

Noodle’s welfare is always prioritised, with clear boundaries and ethical working practices embedded throughout all sessions.

 

Funding Options for Schools & Colleges

Paws4Minds programmes may be funded through:

• Pupil Premium

• Pupil Premium Plus

• SEND and SEMH budgets

• Mental Health and Wellbeing funding

• Early Help or targeted intervention funding

• Inclusion and behaviour support budgets

We are happy to provide supporting information for funding applications or internal budget planning.

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Contact Paws4Minds

If you would like to discuss trauma-informed Animal-Assisted Intervention for your school or college in East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire or Northern Lincolnshire, please get in touch.

📞 07789 901515
📧 info@paws4minds.co.uk

Location: East Yorkshire | North Yorkshire | Northern Lincolnshire