How rabbits are helping schoolchildren to enjoy reading

1 August 2025

News image — An animal therapist provides the rabbits for the storytime sessions and they are described as a "captive" audience

BBC Two young boys and a woman sit on a sofa together reading a story. Both the boys have a rabbit on their lap. — An animal therapist provides the rabbits for the storytime sessions and they are described as a "captive" audience

Children struggling to meet reading standards for their age have been developing their confidence through story sessions with rabbits.

An animal therapist has teamed up with a school in Rotherham to organise the sessions and rabbits are allowed to sit on pupils' laps.

The presence of the animals has a calming effect and improves literacy skills, according to teachers.

Only 60% of children in Yorkshire leave primary school meeting the expected level of reading for 11-year-olds, compared to a national target of 74%, according to the most recent government statistics.

The Magna Lane Centre has been holding the Read to Rabbits sessions for the past nine months.

Children can select a book to read aloud to one of the rabbits - aiding fluency and reducing tension.

The rabbits were described as a "captive" audience.

Young white boy with brown hair wearing a purple t-shirt smiling at the camera stroke a ginger and white rabbit on his lap in a pet bed. — Children can choose a book to read aloud to a rabbit

The centre is based at Foljambe Primary School and is run by the Wickersley Partnership Trust to provide support for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Centre manager Lisa Stones said: "The children might lack confidence, they might feel anxious, but when they come to the session that all goes away. They're able to relax, practice their reading skills in a safe and calm environment, and form a positive association with reading."

White woman with brown hair wearing a navy blue t-shirt smiling at the camera next to a white van with 'Four Paws Animal Assisted Therapy' written on the side. — Nichola Habberjam supplies the rabbits as part of her animal therapy business, which runs educational visits

The rabbits come from Four Paws Animal Assisted Therapy, which is run by Nichola Habberjam.

She said: "The children at Magna Lane have their favourite rabbits, they've got really good bonds with them, and they really do enjoy the sessions."

She described animal therapy as "physically and mentally beneficial".

"Being around the animals reduces stress and anxiety."

Woman in field crouched down hand-feeding a sheep, surround by more sheep and goats. — The animal therapist also has hand-reared sheep and goats which take part in visits

Ms Habberjam, whose business is based near Rotherham, also uses dogs, goats, sheep, guinea pigs and a miniature Shetland pony for her therapy visits.

"I take them to nursing homes, which is particularly beneficial for people with dementia. We also visit student accommodation, psychiatric hospitals and eating disorder clinics."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North