Middle England Farm is set in a beautiful location just outside of Henley in Arden. Alongside animal experiences, we run a care farm supporting young people aged 8-16 with social, emotional or educational difficulties, including (but not exclusively) autism, PDA, ADHD, anxiety and school avoidance.
Students take part in a variety of practical, animal based activities, such as animal care, exercising, husbandry, enrichment and therapy based animal contact. The farm is home to alpacas, goats, and a multitude of other animals.
Our days are fun packed and aimed at educating students in a relaxed and unpressurised environment, whilst instilling a strong work ethic and a willingness to try and grow.
We also offer land based skills such as growing vegetables, fence building, pond dipping, foraging, working with willow, camp fire cooking, learning how to use tools and other forest style activities.
We currently offer three care farm group sessions per week (Tuesday - Thursday) 10am - 2pm during term time. However due to huge demand we are planning to expand further in September to include Mondays and eventually Fridays, plus longer day sessions.
Job Role - does this sound like you?
We're looking for a very special, experienced Care Farm Practitioner who can hit the ground running. You'll be confident working with students with additional needs and some challenging behaviour and you'll be very comfortable with animals. You'll be the kind of person who always arrives to work early, doesn't mind small amounts of planning in your own time on occasions, has a strong eye for safeguarding, a great way of communicating with students, whilst also being able to be a firm authoritative figure when needed. You'll have 'eyes in the back of your head' and nothing will get past you. You're the kind of person who loves to work and doesn't take time off for a cold, because our students need consistency and reliability. You'll love working in a small team whilst also being able to come up with your own ideas. If you're a man, we're especially interested in hearing from you, as men are under represented in the team.
You'll need....
At least three years of experience of working with children with a wide range of SEN including teenagers with challenging behaviour. The more years the better!
Able to be authoritative when needed, with a no nonsense attitude, whilst reacting with kindness, compassion and understanding of the students needs.
Good level of education including up to date Safeguarding, First Aid and Child Protection certificates. A willingness to sit further certificates in your own time when required to keep you fully up to date with safe practice. (Courses paid for by us)
A passion for supporting children with additional needs to have fulfilling experiences.
Excellent observational skills and the ability to solve issues and react calmly in challenging situations. 'Eyes in the back of your head' will be one of your super powers!
Ability to be a figure of authority and gain the respect of students.
Empathic, a strong level of resilience and emotional intelligence to work calmly with a range of differing behaviours.
Experience of working with animals and a willingness to learn husbandry skills quickly.
A love of the land and nature with relevant knowledge to pass onto students.
Animal Therapy experience preferable but not essential.
Ability to implement excellent, fulfilling sessions for a range of students.
Able to work as part of a team.
Ability to report back in a timely and productive manner when required.
An enhanced DBS check.
Very reliable and able to arrive at work with own transport at least 15 minutes before each session. If you're a clock watcher, this won't be for you as you'll need to stay behind or come in early for meetings and training sessions.
A clear understanding of safeguarding and the ability to turn this knowledge quickly into site specific safeguarding.
Duties will include:
Educating and helping students learn and develop in an outdoor setting in all weathers.
Delivering sessions including animal care and land based skills with the rest of the team.
Providing support for a range of students with various needs as well as challenging behaviour.
Able to lead groups confidently when required.
Recognising students individual needs and the ability to react and act appropriately and accordingly.
Ensuring each student is recognised for their abilities and supported to grow as individuals
Teaching students to respect, love and care for animals as well as showing respect and consideration towards fellow students, staff and the environment.
Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure or provide evidence that they already have one. We also require two satisfactory references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK. We follow Safer Recruitment in Education at all times.
Staff are expected to use some of their own time each week on reporting back, taking part in (paid for) online learning and keeping the work environment clean and tidy. Although this doesn't amount to a lot of time, if you're the kind of employee who likes to leave the second your shift has ended, this role is not for you. A pride in doing your job well is essential!
In return you get:
A fulfilling job in a family run business.
Ability to work term time and occasionally during school holidays for HAF sessions.
Working with a range of wonderful animals.
Uniform (T-shirt/polo shirt/hoodie).
Online training courses.
On the job training in animal care.
Ability to learn about a wide range of animals and work closely with them.
Some free animal experiences and discounts on others.
Free onsite parking.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Are you able to meet the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education?
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- SEN: 3 years (required)
- Animal care: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
