Horticulture Lead in Reading

As part of Amegreen Education, we are opening a brand-new Alternative Provision to support our new secondary SEN school, Juniper House. The provision will provide therapeutic, practical and engaging learning experiences for children and young people who have found it difficult to access mainstream education.

We’re looking for an experienced Horticulture Lead to establish and develop an exciting new horticulture provision from the ground up. You’ll create productive growing spaces, develop engaging outdoor learning experiences and inspire young people through practical horticulture.

This is far more than gardening – it's about helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and reconnect with education through meaningful outdoor learning.

Alongside horticulture, learners will occasionally prepare and cook produce they have grown, helping to develop independence, healthy eating habits and practical life skills.

The Role

As Horticulture Lead, you will lead the development and day-to-day running of our new horticulture provision, creating a safe, engaging and inspiring environment for learners aged 11‑18.

You’ll design and deliver practical learning programmes focused on horticulture, environmental education and outdoor learning while supporting children with SEND and SEMH needs to develop confidence, resilience and independence.

Working closely with the Centre Manager and wider leadership team, you’ll help establish a flagship provision that combines therapeutic education with practical horticultural experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation and ongoing development of the horticulture provision.
• Design productive growing areas including polytunnels, raised beds, allotments and outdoor learning spaces.
• Support and develop a team of Learning Mentors.
• Design and deliver engaging horticulture programmes.
• Teach planting, propagation, cultivation and harvesting.
• Develop seasonal growing programmes.
• Promote sustainability and biodiversity.
• Support occasional cooking of produce grown as part of life-skills learning.
• Adapt activities for learners with SEND.
• Deliver ASDAN/AQA Unit Awards where appropriate.
• Maintain health and safety and safeguarding.
• Build partnerships with schools, families and local organisations.

About You

• Experience in horticulture, gardening, landscaping or another land-based industry.
• Experience working with children or young people, ideally in education, SEND or Alternative Provision.
• Excellent practical horticultural knowledge.
• Ability to engage and motivate learners through hands‑on activities.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Benefits

• Be part of an exciting brand-new provision from day one.
• Make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people.
• Extensive CPD and career development opportunities.
• Supportive leadership team.
• Opportunity to shape and grow your own department.
• Company pension.
• Free onsite parking.
• Free lunch provided during term time.
• Employee wellbeing support.

Safeguarding

Amegreen Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).