RSPCA Hull & East Riding has officially launched its Petwise Education Programme for Schools, a new initiative bringing animal welfare to life for pupils across Hull and the East Riding. The programme delivers engaging, curriculum-linked sessions designed to inspire compassion, responsibility, and respect for animals among young people.
Through a mix of whole-school assemblies and interactive classroom workshops, Petwise links directly to subjects including science, literacy, PSHE, and art. Pupils will explore topics such as caring for pets, understanding animal habitats and life cycles, and discovering how they can become a voice for animals in their communities.
Now, schools are being encouraged to partner with RSPCA Hull & East Riding to inspire pupils with hands-on experiences of animal welfare. This can be done by booking an assembly or workshop and integrating the sessions into curriculum-linked learning.
For more information or to book sessions, contact our Education Lead, Laura Bailie – laura.bailie@rspcahull.org.uk
Why Petwise is Needed
The programme has been developed in direct response to community feedback and identified gaps in provision.
- Community voices: Local residents have consistently expressed a lack of accessible, family-friendly, and educational activities — especially those combining animal welfare education in community spaces.
- School demand: Schools have welcomed the idea of Petwise, recognising how well it aligns with the national curriculum. However, funding limitations mean they are often unable to access such programmes independently.
- Local gaps in provision: Historically, most education work has taken place at our Hull Rescue Centre. Petwise changes this by taking learning into schools and the wider community, ensuring accessibility for more children and families.
- National need: With pet neglect and abandonment on the rise across the UK, education is more vital than ever in helping communities understand responsible pet ownership and prevent suffering.
Matt Wright, Head of Operations at RSPCA Hull & East Riding, said: “We see the heartbreaking impact of animal neglect every day. By launching this programme, we want to help prevent cruelty before it starts — giving children the knowledge and empathy to care for animals and inspiring the animal champions of tomorrow. Children are naturally compassionate, and with the right guidance, they can be powerful advocates for a kinder future.”
Backed by Local Support – and You
The Petwise Project is initially being delivered to specific schools in the East Riding of Yorkshire after securing grants from the Tedder Hill Wind Farm Fund and the Lissett Wind Farm Fund. In addition to schools, Petwise sessions will also be delivered through community workshops in village halls and community centres, reaching families who might not otherwise have access to this kind of learning.
As a self-funded branch, RSPCA Hull & East Riding relies entirely on the generosity of supporters, schools, and the local community to make programmes like this possible.
Right now, we are also in the running to secure £11,000 of additional funding through the Companion for Life Grant public vote — but we need your help.
Vote for Petwise here: https://www.reintegrationeconomy.org/en/progetto/matt-wright/#form-voto. Voting closes on 22nd October — only the top seven projects will receive funding, so every vote counts.
Building a Kinder Future
By supporting Petwise, you are helping us rehabilitate, rehome, and educate — changing lives today, while preventing neglect tomorrow. Together, we can build a kinder, more compassionate future for every animal.
