We had a great time getting to meet Noodle during our booked sessions, as a nursery we prioritised our EYPP funding to help support some children building their confidence in new situations.
We had one child who was petrified of dogs due to an incident, Mel and Noodle worked hard to gradually build her confidence. She progressed through this experience and by the end of the sessions she would happily stroke and feed Noodle.
Within our setting we have been using sign to support communication, Mel used sign to support the singing sessions we did alongside Noodle. The support of Noodle during these activities encouraged children to join in and supported their PSED. We thoroughly enjoyed our sessions with Mel and Noodle and hope to book them again soon
Mel has been visiting the Nursery with Noodle for the last year and the children absolutely can’t wait to see them both, and participate in the class! Noodle is just adorable; the children love stroking him and giving him the occasional treat too!
Mel is great to work with and is able to tailor the classes to suit the children’s needs and link
to current themes and celebrations we are learning about at Nursery, such as: Christmas,
Phonics etc…
Having ran her own baby sign class for years, Mel now uses Makaton and British Sign Language to provide children with another way of communicating. We have found the class to be particularly successful with children who have less confidence or struggle to communicate using words.We would definitely recommend Mel and Noodle to any other settings – it really benefits the children as it build on their confidence and communication and language skills!
Noodle has been wonderful in both of the primary schools that he has visited regularly. Noodle has a calming effect on the pupils and Melanie's gentle and friendly nature has helped initially nervous pupils to feel at ease.
Pupils have enjoyed reading to Noodle and this has helped us to promote reading in the schools.
Has you Nursery/School enjoyed your sessions with Noodle?
Everyone has really enjoyed the sessions with Noodle. It took a few weeks for the children to ‘warm up’ to it so it was really worthwhile booking sessions for a full term as they got more out of it as the time went on.
How do you think the sessions have benefitted the children?
The children developed confidence around Noodle and were able to explore dogs ‘safely’ with Noodle and enjoyed giving him treat, so straight away but others not until later on in the sessions.
The children learnt new songs and signs and have continued to use them in sessions when Noodle is not here.
The sessions supported the children’s PSE and developed their confidence, turn taking,listening and attention, understanding and speaking skills. Some children who were originally scared of Noodle or a little unsure to start with have developed more confidence around him.
Is there anything you would like to see us do or change to make your experience better?
No. The children really enjoyed the session. It was worthwhile continuing the sessions into the second half term as it took a while for the children to ‘warm up’ and then we could really see the benefit. I only wish we had more funding to allow us to spend more time with Noodle on a more individual basis.
Would you recommend MM Pet Therapy Services?
Yes. I have recommended Noodle in our Day Care forums and have shared with other professionals in the setting who may be able to access him.