At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach outdoor learning and animal care on our vibrant school farm with amazing animals.
- 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 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.
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
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent qualification.
- Demonstrable knowledge and practical experience of working within a farm, agricultural, animal care, or land-based environment.
- 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 ECT's unless you will have finished your training by September 2026.
Safeguarding Statement
Crowdys Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to background checks, an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and employment checks. Online searches will be carried out and references will be called for and checked prior to interview. The right to work in the UK, qualifications and proof of address will be checked at the time of the interview.
Farm Education Teacher – Outdoor Learning & Animal Care in Swindon employer: Crowdys Hill School
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 pupils with diverse needs. With a strong commitment to professional development, small class sizes, and a unique outdoor learning setting that includes a school farm, employees enjoy a fulfilling career that fosters both personal and professional growth. The school's ethos of 'Learning for Life' ensures that every day brings a sense of achievement and joy in teaching.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Education Teacher – Outdoor Learning & Animal Care in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos! Research Crowdys Hill School, their approach to education, and their commitment to outdoor learning. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they value in a teacher, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples of your work with animals or in educational settings. Use stories that demonstrate your skills in animal care and how you've engaged students in outdoor learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It not only streamlines the process but also shows your enthusiasm for the role and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Education 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 education and animal care shine through. We want to see how you connect with the idea of teaching in a farm setting and how you can inspire our pupils to learn about agriculture and sustainability.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any practical experience you have in farming, animal care, or working with children with special needs. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in these areas, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to customise your application to match our school’s vision and values. Referencing our commitment to 'Learning for Life' will show us that you understand what we’re all about and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crowdys Hill School
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care, nutrition, and husbandry practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience with different animals, especially those mentioned in the job description like alpacas and miniature goats.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Familiarise yourself with the school’s curriculum vision 'Learning for Life'. Think about how you can integrate outdoor learning and sustainability into your teaching approach. Prepare to share ideas on how you would design engaging lessons that align with this vision.
✨Show Your Passion for Teaching
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with pupils who have special educational needs. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a supportive and fun learning environment for all students.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Since safeguarding is a key aspect of the role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of child welfare and safety protocols. Think of examples where you've prioritised student safety in previous roles, and be ready to explain how you would handle safeguarding issues.
