At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage our school farm and create engaging outdoor learning experiences for students.
- Company: Crowdys Hill School, a dynamic special school in Swindon.
- Benefits: Supportive staff, small class sizes, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a caring community focused on learning and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working with animals and nature.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in agriculture or animal care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About this Role
Crowdys Hill School is a dynamic and expanding special school for pupils in the Swindon area and beyond. We have over 340 pupils on roll, ranging from 5-19 years of age. All our students have moderate or severe learning difficulties and social communication difficulties. Some have autism, ADHD or other more complex needs. At Crowdys Hill we teach our students both in and out of the classroom and we are seeking a teacher for our onsite School Farm which includes alpacas, miniature goats and donkeys as well as chickens, ducks, an aviary and other smaller animals. You will oversee the day-to-day management and operation of the school farm and outdoor classroom provision as well as designing, developing, and delivering an engaging and meaningful curriculum focused on agriculture, animal care, farm life, sustainability, outdoor learning, and careers within the land‑based sector, aligned with the school's curriculum vision "Learning for Life" and development plans.
Your Experience
Our person specification in the application pack contains the full areas of skills and experience we require, but it is important to us that you feel comfortable and confident in your role. Although you may not have all the skills we are looking for there are some essential features our appointee will need to have, and these include:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent qualification.
- Be able to demonstrate knowledge and practical experience of working within a farm, agricultural, animal care or land‑based environment.
- Have a strong working knowledge of animal nutrition, husbandry and welfare practices.
What we can offer you in return
- An excellent supportive staff committed to achieving exceptionally ambitious standards.
- An interesting, diverse and exciting career.
- Caring, fun pupils that enjoy coming to school to learn.
- A strong CPD programme.
- Small class sizes to allow you to give more time and individual attention to pupils.
- Opportunities for future professional development.
- Strong ethos and a commitment to collaborative working.
- A sense of achievement at the end of every day.
- After completing a successful probation period of 6 months you will be entitled to join our Health Care Scheme run by Vitality.
This role is unsuitable for ECTs unless you will have finished your training by September 2026.
Safeguarding and Equality
Crowdys Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are subject to background checks, an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and employment checks. We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered without regard to race, gender, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.
School Farm Teacher - Outdoor Learning & Animal Care in Swindon employer: AgHires
Crowdys Hill School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where teachers can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with diverse needs. Located in Swindon, the school provides unique opportunities for professional development, small class sizes for personalised attention, and a strong commitment to outdoor learning through its onsite School Farm, fostering both personal and career growth in a caring and engaging atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Farm Teacher - Outdoor Learning & Animal Care in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Crowdys Hill School, their approach to outdoor learning, and the specific needs of their pupils. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical demonstrations! Since this role involves hands-on work with animals, be ready to showcase your skills in animal care and outdoor teaching. Think about how you can demonstrate your knowledge of animal husbandry and sustainability during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Crowdys Hill School. Don’t forget to highlight your unique experiences that align with their curriculum vision 'Learning for Life'!
We think you need these skills to ace School Farm Teacher - Outdoor Learning & Animal Care in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor learning and animal care shine through. We want to see how you connect with the idea of teaching in a farm environment and how you can inspire our pupils to engage with nature.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any experience you have in agricultural or animal care settings. We’re looking for practical knowledge, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of animal welfare and farm management.
Align with Our Vision:Familiarise yourself with our 'Learning for Life' vision and incorporate it into your application. Show us how your teaching philosophy aligns with our goals and how you plan to contribute to our curriculum development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be working with. Understand their care, nutrition, and behaviour. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've managed or cared for animals in the past will show your passion and expertise.
✨Connect with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the school's curriculum vision 'Learning for Life'. Think about how you can integrate outdoor learning and animal care into engaging lessons. Prepare some ideas or activities that align with this vision to demonstrate your creativity and commitment during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific experiences from your background in teaching or animal care. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially your QTS or equivalent, and how they relate to the role. Use examples that showcase your ability to work with children who have special educational needs.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Crowdys Hill School values collaborative working, so be prepared to discuss how you work well in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past, particularly in creating inclusive learning environments or managing projects related to outdoor education.
