How Therapy Dog Sessions Can Support Children and Young People with SEND and EOTAS

Aug 17

5 min read

For some children and young people, traditional educational and therapeutic environments can feel overwhelming. Busy classrooms, unfamiliar surroundings, social expectations, transitions and demands can create barriers to engagement and learning.

At Therapy Paws UK, we believe that support should start with the individual — not with a one-size-fits-all programme.

Our therapy dog sessions are designed to create calm, positive and meaningful experiences where children and young people can interact with a therapy dog at their own pace. For those accessing SEND support or EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School), this can provide a valuable opportunity to build confidence, develop communication skills and experience success in an environment that feels more comfortable.

What is EOTAS?

EOTAS is a form of educational provision for children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to access their education within a traditional school setting.

Every child's circumstances are different. Some may experience anxiety around attending school, difficulties with transitions, sensory challenges, communication differences or other barriers that make a mainstream environment difficult to access.

EOTAS provision can therefore be individually tailored to the child.

This is where therapy dog sessions can complement an individual's wider support.

Why Therapy Dogs?

Dogs have a natural ability to create opportunities for connection.

A child who may not immediately want to communicate with an unfamiliar adult may be much more comfortable talking about, showing affection towards or simply spending time alongside a dog.

•There doesn't have to be pressure to talk.

•Sometimes the first step is simply sitting near the dog.

•Then perhaps offering a treat.

•Then touching the dog's fur.

•Then asking a question.

•Then taking part in an activity.

•These small steps can become important achievements.

Sessions Tailored to the Individual

At Therapy Paws UK, we don't believe that every child should complete the same activities.

Instead, sessions can be adapted around the individual's needs, interests, communication style, confidence and goals.

A session might involve:

🐾 Gentle interaction with the therapy dog

🐾 Grooming and care activities

🐾 Trick training

🐾 Dog-themed games and quizzes

🐾 Dog behaviour and safety activities

🐾 Dog handling skills

🐾 Treat-making activities

🐾 Dog art and creative activities

🐾 Photography and observation activities

🐾 Treasure hunts

🐾 Agility-style activities

🐾 Relaxation and self-regulation activities

🐾 Educational activities about dogs and wellbeing

The activity itself isn't always the most important part.

The real value can be what happens while the child is taking part.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

For a child who has experienced difficulties within education or social environments, confidence can be affected.

Therapy dog sessions can provide opportunities for children to experience manageable successes.

Perhaps they teach Reggie a new trick.
Perhaps they successfully put on his lead.
Perhaps they prepare a treat.
Perhaps they speak to the handler for the first time.
Perhaps they simply remain in the environment for longer than they expected.
Each of these moments can contribute to a sense of achievement.

Instead of focusing on what a child cannot currently do, we can celebrate what they can do.

Supporting Anxiety and Emotional Regulation

Anxiety can make everyday situations feel extremely difficult.

A calm therapy dog can provide a comforting presence without requiring a child to communicate verbally or perform in a particular way.

Sessions can incorporate activities designed to encourage calm, focus and self-regulation.

The child may be able to take a break, spend quiet time with the dog or move between activities depending on how they are feeling.

This flexibility is important.

We meet the child where they are on the day.

Supporting Communication and Social Interaction

Communication doesn't always mean speaking. Children can communicate through gestures, facial expressions, body language, eye contact, movement, pictures or shared activities.

A therapy dog can create a natural reason to communicate.

For example:

“Can Reggie have a treat?”

“What trick should we teach him?”

“Where should we take him for a walk?”

“What do you think Reggie is feeling?”

These simple interactions can create opportunities for communication without making communication itself feel like a demand.

Helping With Transitions

Transitions can be particularly difficult for some children and young people with SEND.

This might include:

Moving from one activity to another
Entering a new environment
Meeting a new person
Starting a new educational placement
Returning to education
Moving between education settings
Preparing for a future change in routine

Therapy dog sessions can provide a familiar and motivating element around which a child can build confidence.

For example, a session could begin with a predictable activity involving the dog, followed by another planned activity and then a calm ending routine.

Creating predictable patterns can help make changes feel more manageable.

There Is No Pressure to Perform

One of the most important aspects of our approach is that the child does not have to achieve everything in one session.

Progress may look different for every individual.
For one child, success might be completing an activity.
For another, it might be remaining in the room.
For someone else, it might simply be being willing to meet the therapy dog.

These moments matter we believe that small steps can lead to meaningful progress.

Therapy Dogs as Part of a Wider Support Package

Therapy dog sessions are not intended to replace education, clinical intervention or other professional support. Instead, they can form part of a wider individualised support package.

Where appropriate, sessions can work alongside a child's existing goals and provision, with communication between parents, carers and relevant professionals where consent and appropriate arrangements are in place. This can help ensure that sessions are purposeful rather than simply enjoyable. Because while enjoying time with a dog is wonderful, we also want each visit to have meaning.

A Different Way to Learn

Learning doesn't always have to happen behind a desk.

A child can develop confidence while walking a dog.
They can practise communication while giving instructions.
They can develop responsibility by caring for the dog's needs.
They can practise sequencing while preparing treats.
They can explore emotions through discussing how a dog behaves.
They can develop physical confidence through movement-based activities.
And they can experience success in an environment where they feel comfortable.

Sometimes, connection comes before learning.

Supporting the Whole Child

At Therapy Paws UK, our focus is not simply on what a child is learning.

We also consider how they are feeling. Confidence, emotional wellbeing, communication, relationships, self-regulation and a sense of achievement can all influence a child's ability to engage.

Our therapy dog sessions aim to create opportunities for children and young people to feel:

Seen. Heard. Comfortable. Supported. Successful.

And sometimes, all it takes to begin that journey is a wagging tail.

Could Therapy Dog Sessions Support Your Child or Young Person?

If you are a parent, carer, school, EOTAS provider, SEND organisation or professional looking for an individualised therapy dog experience, we'd love to talk to you.

Our sessions can be discussed and planned around the individual's needs, interests and circumstances.

Therapy Paws UK — small paws, big difference. 🐾

📧 karenbirch@therapypawsuk.co.uk

Click Here to find out more, make an enquiry or a booking

Leah & Reggie — serving High Wycombe and surrounding areas

If you would like to find out more about our SEND and EOTAS therapy dog sessions, please get in touch with Therapy Paws UK.