School‑Based Animal‑Assisted Play Therapy
Group Programs and 1:1 Support
Empower Students with Animal-Assisted Therapy
Engage Playfully partners with schools to deliver evidence‑based, child‑centred therapeutic programs supported by our certified therapy dogs and therapy rabbit. Our school‑based services strengthen emotional well-being, social skills, engagement, and confidence, right where students learn and connect each day. Schools can choose full‑day or half‑day visits, allowing us to run multiple groups, 1:1 sessions, or a combination tailored to your wellbeing priorities. All programs can be funded through the Victorian Schools Mental Health Fund, supporting Tier 2 (targeted) and Tier 3 (individualised) interventions.
Why Schools Choose Engage Playfully
Our programs are grounded in Child‑Centred Play Therapy, counselling principles, and trauma‑informed, neurodiversity‑affirming practice. Therapy animals enhance engagement, co‑regulation, and connection, helping students feel safe, calm, and ready to learn. Schools value our approach because it:
Uses evidence‑based strategies
Supports emotional regulation and wellbeing
Builds social and communication skills
Aligns with RRRR, SEAL, and whole‑school wellbeing frameworks
Enhances engagement and participation
Strengthens relationships with peers and staff
Provides early intervention for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students
Offers a gentle, accessible alternative to traditional counselling
10‑Week Animal‑Assisted Play Therapy Social Group Programs
For Primary School Students (Ages 6–11)
Group Size: 4–5 students | Duration: 50 minutes per session
This structured 10‑week program supports children to build social‑emotional skills through child‑led play, cooperative activities, and interaction with a certified therapy animal. The program offers flexible small‑group programs for 3–5 students, focusing on:
- Emotional awareness
- Social skills and peer relationships
- Confidence and self‑esteem
- Problem‑solving and flexible thinking
- Cooperation and communication
- Regulation strategies
- Empathy and boundaries
Reporting and Feedback
To ensure strong collaboration:
- Parents, teachers, and key staff receive regular feedback
- End‑of‑program reports summarise progress and strategies
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Classroom‑friendly recommendations are provided
Brick‑by‑Brick® LEGO® Therapy Program
Group Size: 4 students | Duration: 50 minutes per session | 10‑week program
Brick‑by‑Brick® LEGO® Therapy is a structured, evidence‑based social development program designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, flexible thinking, and peer connection through collaborative LEGO® building. This neurodiversity‑affirming program supports students to:
- Build social communication skills in a supported, predictable environment
- Practise teamwork and cooperation through shared building goals
- Strengthen problem‑solving and flexible thinking
- Develop confidence and positive peer relationships
- Experience success through clearly defined roles (Engineer, Builder, Supplier)
- Engage in low‑pressure, motivating tasks that encourage participation
Students work together in small groups of four, guided by a trained facilitator. Each session follows a consistent structure that promotes turn‑taking, joint attention, cooperation, and social engagement.
1:1 Animal‑Assisted Child‑Led Play Therapy in Schools
For students who need individualised support, we offer 1:1 sessions delivered on-site during the school day.
Supports Students Experiencing:
- Anxiety, stress, or overwhelm
- Autism‑related sensory or social challenges
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Friendship issues or social anxiety
- Low confidence or self‑esteem
- School refusal or disengagement
- Adjustment to change or family stress
- Trauma‑related responses
What Happens in 1:1 Sessions
Sessions are non‑directive and child‑led, allowing the student to explore emotions and experiences through play. Activities may include:
- Symbolic and imaginative play
- Creative expression (art, storytelling, building)
- Sensory play for regulation
- Role‑play and pretend play
- Movement‑based activities and obstacle courses
- Gentle animal‑care routines
- Co‑regulation and grounding with the therapy animal
Reporting and Feedback
- Regular updates for parents, teachers, and wellbeing staff
- Term‑based or end‑of‑block progress reports
- Optional collaborative meetings
Enter into children’s play, and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.
– Virginia Axline
Collaboration with Schools
We work closely with school staff to ensure therapy is meaningful, consistent, and aligned with student goals. Our collaborative approach includes:
- Consultation with wellbeing teams and teachers
- Shared strategies to support classroom success
- Regular communication and progress updates
- Integration with school wellbeing frameworks
- Optional parent meetings
This ensures students experience consistent, coordinated care across environments.