At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee animal care and deliver fun educational experiences for kids.
- Company: Kids Planet Neston Farm, a vibrant nursery with a love for nature.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, outdoor work, and a chance to inspire young minds.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference by connecting children with animals and the natural world.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and a passion for working with young children.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Role: Animal Care and Education Coordinator
Location: Neston Farm
Reports to: Nursery Manager
Purpose of the Role
To oversee the care, welfare, and enrichment of the nursery’s animals, while developing and delivering engaging educational experiences that connect young children with nature, farming, and animal life. This role ensures high standards of animal care and safety, and helps embed animal care into the early years curriculum.
Key Responsibilities
- Animal Care
- Ensure the daily care, feeding, health, and welfare of all animals on site.
- Maintain clean, safe, and enriching environments for a variety of species (e.g., small mammals, poultry, pigs, etc.).
- Monitor animal health and behaviour, liaising with veterinary professionals as needed.
- Maintain accurate records relating to feeding, health checks, and compliance with animal welfare regulations.
- Education & Curriculum Support
- Design and deliver interactive, age-appropriate activities that involve animal care and farming themes, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
- Support nursery practitioners by embedding animal-based learning into daily routines and planned activities.
- Create engaging resources (stories, sensory activities, seasonal events) to help children understand animal life cycles, habitats, and care.
- Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all animal areas are risk-assessed and maintained to meet health and safety standards.
- Train staff and support children in safe, respectful interactions with animals.
- Ensure compliance with relevant animal welfare legislation and licensing requirements.
- Community & Enrichment
- Support family engagement by organising farm-based workshops, open days, and parent-child animal care sessions.
- Work with local organisations, farms, and suppliers to enhance the educational offering.
- Promote the nursery’s ethos of sustainability, respect for living things, and connection to the natural world.
Person Specification
- Essential:
- Experience in animal husbandry (farm, smallholding, or educational setting).
- Knowledge of animal welfare legislation and best practice.
- Enthusiasm for working with young children and an understanding of early years development.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team in a busy, child-centred environment.
- Desirable:
- Qualification in Animal Care, Early Years Education, or Environmental Studies.
- Experience delivering educational sessions or workshops for children.
- First aid training (including paediatric and animal first aid).
Working Hours & Conditions
- Part Time - 20 hours
- Outdoor working environment with exposure to varied weather conditions.
- Some lifting, cleaning, and manual work required.
Animal Care and Education Coordinator - Kids Planet Neston Farm in Atworth employer: Kids Planet
Kids Planet in Reigate is an exceptional employer that prioritises a nurturing work environment and values the importance of family and inclusivity. With competitive salaries, professional training opportunities, and benefits such as childcare discounts and enhanced leave, we are committed to supporting our staff's growth and well-being while making a meaningful impact in children's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care and Education Coordinator - Kids Planet Neston Farm in Atworth
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Kids Planet.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care and Education Coordinator - Kids Planet Neston Farm in Atworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Kids Planet!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Kids Planet. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Kids Planet. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids Planet
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
