Are you passionate about animal care, outdoor learning and helping young people thrive?
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Farm Assistant (Education) to join our growing therapeutic farm team. This is a unique opportunity to combine practical farm work with meaningful educational experiences, supporting pupils to develop confidence, independence, resilience, communication skills and overall wellbeing through hands-on learning and positive engagement with the natural world. The successful candidate will play a key role in creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where young people can develop new skills, build self-esteem and thrive.
Working closely with the Farm Education Lead and Farm Manager, you will help deliver engaging farm-based learning activities while supporting the day-to-day care of our animals, horticultural projects and wider farm environment.
About the role
This varied and rewarding role combines practical farming, animal husbandry and educational delivery. You will:
Key responsibilities include:
- Deliver engaging farm-based educational and therapeutic activities for pupils.
- Support the development of learning resources and practical outdoor learning programmes.
- Provide high standards of animal care, including feeding, cleaning, health monitoring and enrichment.
- Assist with the maintenance and development of paddocks, buildings, fencing and farm infrastructure.
- Support seasonal growing projects including fruit, vegetables, flowers and garden development.
- Contribute to the delivery of accredited land-based studies opportunities.
- Help create a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for pupils, visitors, volunteers and the wider community.
- Support farm events, workshops and open days throughout the year.
During term time, you will lead practical learning sessions for pupils, helping them develop personal, social, emotional and vocational skills through meaningful farm experiences.
About you
We are looking for a passionate and motivated individual with experience in animal husbandry and horticulture, alongside experience working with children or young people, ideally within an educational, outdoor learning or therapeutic setting. You will have strong practical skills in animal care, land management and site maintenance, with the ability to build positive relationships and engage young people in meaningful learning experiences. A proactive, hands-on approach, the ability to work independently, excellent communication and teamwork skills, and a commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing are essential.
Ideally, you will also hold a Teaching Assistant (TA), Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Forest School, Outdoor Learning or similar qualification and have experience supporting children and young people with SEND. Relevant qualifications in Animal Management, knowledge of trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches, and experience delivering outdoor learning or vocational education programmes would be advantageous.
Salary range for 37 hours per week is £25,989 - £28,142 per annum dependent upon experience. This is a full time, all year-round permanent position. Monday to Thursday: 8.30am – 4.30pm Friday: 8.30am – 4.00pm, with occasional weekend cover and bank holidays on a rota.
About Coombe House
Coombe House is located just outside Shaftesbury and set in 55 acres of beautiful countryside. Coombe House School supports children and young people with social communication, emotional and learning needs, all of whom have an EHCP. At Coombe House School, we are committed to creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow and succeed in a nurturing environment. Our therapeutic farm plays a vital role in supporting pupil wellbeing, engagement and achievement.
About Coombe House Farm
Our farm is an evolving therapeutic care farm created to support the young people of Coombe House School with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and our local community. It is a space designed with purpose, heart and vision, where learning happens through meaningful, hands-on experiences and where every individual is valued, supported and encouraged to grow.
The setting is designed to support the social, emotional, educational and mental health needs of those who use it, offering a calm and supportive space where individuals can develop confidence, communication skills, independence and positive relationships. Engagement with animals, nature and routine farm work plays an important role in supporting wellbeing and personal development.
The farm began its journey in 2024, starting as a simple idea: to create a nurturing outdoor environment where young people could build confidence, develop practical skills and engage in nature-based learning. Since then, the farm has flourished into a vibrant, developing space shaped by the needs of our pupils and the passion of our growing team.
We currently steward around 3 acres at the top of the Coombe House site, offering a safe and contained environment for animal care, horticulture, outdoor tasks and therapeutic activities. In 2025, we expanded to include an additional 4 acres of meadowland at the bottom of the site, a beautiful natural area that supports biodiversity, wildlife education and soon, beekeeping opportunities.
What we offer:
- A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Free, confidential employee assistance programme.
- Enhanced Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution).
- Continuous professional development and training
- Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool), at specified times.
- Death in Service (3 x salary).
- Supportive leadership team and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders.
This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 19 July 2026
Interviews to be held on Monday 27 July 2026
Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858 for any queries, or email [email protected]
We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only. Please see the job description & person specification for further information. as well as visiting the school’s website - https://coombehouseschool.org.ukWe are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £25,989.00-£28,142.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
