Kershaw Wood Manchester is now home to tortoise Dylan, after a special delivery from First Steps Together CEO Matt Higham on Thursday lunchtime.
The arrival created a moment of quiet excitement as Matt entered the room and heralded the new era, with students slowly gathering around him.
Tortoises have lived on Earth for more than 230 million years and are among some of the longest living land animals, with a life span of over 100 years.
“Everybody be nice and quiet,” said Head of School Mike Smith, as the group edged in for a closer look.
Matt encouraged everyone to explore the reptile at their own pace. “Do you want to touch it?” he asked, holding the delicate tortoise steady.
One student examined the shell closely and asked, “What is that?” before receiving a personalised update about the newest student.
“You can touch it when you’re ready!” Matt reassured warmly.
The questions soon began to flow. “How fast can he go?” asked Oran, one of our News Ninjas.
“Very very slow. He’ll never catch you!” Matt responded as the creature took its first tiny, deliberate steps across the table, almost in slow motion.
“I love it,” said Mike, clearly pleased with the enthusiasm growing around the room and the potential opportunities.
Attention soon shifted to naming the tortoise, and talk turned to what students could learn from caring for him. Ideas about feeding, observation, responsibility and looking after animals began to surface as part of the discussion.
The tortoise was soon named Dylan by Oran, after a lively consultation with a friend. The rest of the class quickly agreed and Dylan was proudly added to the register.
Head of School Mike Smith explained: “We got Dylan to support self‑regulation and help create a calmer, more nurturing environment here."
"It also gives our learners another place to go when they are upset, hangry [hungry or angry] or finding it difficult to engage with a lesson.”
On his first day at school, Dylan may have moved slowly, but his impact on the students was immediate.
The first steps, together with the class watching on, have marked the beginning of new conversations, new learning potential and a new sense of curiosity.
For now, students at Kershaw Wood Manchester have a new friend to get to know: Dylan.