Become an RSPCA Class That Cares

Pupils in Kent will be the first to benefit from a new education scheme teaching children about animal welfare and the importance of preventing cruelty.

The six-week programme launched by the RSPCA will include lesson plans, fun games, fundraising, and inspirational updates on dogs and cats from charity’s animal centre in Leybourne near Maidstone.

The pilot scheme, called Class that Cares, is looking for Primary schools to team up with the animal welfare charity to teach pupils about compassion and respect.

Schools will be supplied Key Stage 2 lesson plans designed by teachers, for teachers.

Key elements of the national curriculum will be covered whilst giving children a valuable introduction to caring for animals in a safe, fun and compassionate way.

Miranda Goodenough, head of Innovation and Strategy at the RSPCA, said: “This is a brilliant scheme that hopes to inspire children to love and care for animals as much as we do, and teach them important life lessons along the way.

“As well as fitting into the curriculum, the lesson plans will also highlight the five welfare needs which include a safe place to live, food and water, behaviour, the right to company, and good health.

“This is a great opportunity to teach children core values such as compassion and respect with the help of some lovely, fluffy animals.”

The scheme works by asking classes to sponsor either kennels or cat pods at the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre near West Malling. Each class can also enjoy voting on whether they want to be a cat or a dog class for updates on their favourite animal.

Over the six week programme, videos and updates will be supplied to the school alongside teaching materials, so children can gain an insight into the needs of their sponsored furry friends.

To take part, classes need to raise £30 over six weeks (just £1 per pupil) and the scheme will include some creative ideas on how to fundraise.

Miranda continued: “Not only will the scheme raise awareness about the work that the RSPCA does in rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating animals, it will also provide a brilliant opportunity for children to feel ownership and pride at helping a good cause.

“As this is the first time we will be running this program we are limiting it to 20 schools. If it's as successful as we hope it will be, we can then roll the scheme out across the whole of England and Wales.”

Application for the scheme closes on May 19, and will be launched in schools on June 5.

To sign up, simply visit the RSPCA Class that Cares website

Contact Details

Emily Stott, National Press Officer
Telephone: 0300 123 0449
Email: Emily.Stott@rspca.org.uk
Website: RSPCA Media

National Press Office
Telephone: 0300 123 0244

Duty press officer (evenings and weekends)
Telephone: 07825 158490