At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students in a unique farm-based educational setting.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school in Wandsworth with a focus on therapeutic education.
- Benefits: £108 per day, access to CPD courses, and dedicated consultant support.
- Other info: No prior experience needed; full training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working hands-on with animals.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping young people and comfort with farm work.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Wandsworth
Setting: SEMH School (vulnerable students)
Start Date: Friday 5th June (CVs by Thursday lunchtime)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm (term time only)
Pay: £108 per day
Trial/observation days available now – see the farm and therapy work in action before you commit.
Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people through alternative, therapeutic education? Do you want to combine classroom support with hands-on farm work to help students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs re-engage with learning?
We are recruiting for a specialist SEMH school in Wandsworth. This unique role supports vulnerable students who have experienced trauma, disengagement from education, and behavioural challenges. The school uses farm-based, therapeutic activities to build confidence, routine, and emotional regulation.
This is not a desk job – you will be mucking out animals, lifting heavy loads, working in all weather, and getting dirty, all while building trusting relationships with students who need consistency and calm adult role models.
Why this role is uniqueUnlike a standard TA role, you will split your time between:
- Classroom and 1:1 support – helping vulnerable students regulate, focus, and engage
- Farm duties – working alongside students to care for animals, maintain the farm, and build practical skills
The farm is a therapeutic environment. Many SEMH students struggle in traditional classroom settings but thrive when given responsibility, physical activity, and the chance to connect with animals.
You will be comfortable with all aspects of farm work, including:
- Mucking out animals
- Heavy lifting
- Working in all weather conditions
- Working with sheep, goats, ponies, small animals, and reptiles
- Wearing old clothes and not minding getting dirty
It is essential that you are comfortable with all aspects of farm work – this is not a light-touch role. The students will see you getting stuck in alongside them, which builds trust and models resilience.
How this role develops your experience- Behaviour understanding – gain insight into SEMH, trauma, and disengagement
- Alternative education strategies – learn how farm-based interventions support emotional regulation
- Relationship building – become a trusted, consistent adult in a non-judgemental environment
- Safeguarding experience – work closely with vulnerable young people
- Practical farm skills – animal care, manual handling, outdoor working
Teaching Assistant duties:
- Support vulnerable students 1:1 and in small groups
- Help pupils re-engage with learning and build positive routines
- Provide SEMH support to improve focus and behaviour
- Work with teachers and therapists to deliver tailored support strategies
- Encourage a culture where education is seen as valuable and achievable
Farm Assistant duties:
- Muck out animal enclosures (sheep, goats, ponies, small animals, reptiles)
- Carry out heavy lifting (feed, bedding, equipment)
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Support students in caring for animals safely and responsibly
- Wear old clothes and work in a physically dirty environment
- Be comfortable with all aspects of farm work – no exceptions
The students you support are vulnerable but capable of change – your role is to show up consistently, get your hands dirty, and help them see their own value.
Who we are looking forEssential:
- Fully comfortable with all aspects of farm work (mucking out, heavy lifting, all weather, all animals including reptiles)
- Willing to get dirty and wear old clothes
- Resilient, patient, and consistent
- Passionate about helping vulnerable young people succeed
- Able to build strong, trusting relationships
Desirable but not essential:
- Psychology, criminology, or education graduate
- Experience with SEMH, autism, or trauma-informed practice
- Previous farm or animal care experience
No prior school experience required – attitude and intent are key. If you are willing to work hard outdoors and support vulnerable students, full training is provided.
What’s in it for you- £108 per day
- Fast-track registration – CVs by Thursday lunchtime for a Friday 5th June start
- Access to 1000+ CPD courses (including SEMH and safeguarding training)
- Free wellbeing resources
- Discount and perks platform
- Dedicated consultant support
- Opportunity to work in a unique farm-based SEMH setting in Wandsworth
Important – please read
CVs must be submitted by Thursday lunchtime to start on Friday 5th June. If you are not comfortable with mucking out, heavy lifting, working in all weather, sheep, goats, ponies, small animals, reptiles, or getting dirty – this role is not for you. If you are ready to work hard outdoors and change the lives of vulnerable young people – we want to hear from you.
Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are proudly APSCo Compliance+ accredited, reflecting our dedication to the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to thorough compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and APSCo guidelines.
Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant in London employer: Milk Education
At our SEMH school in Wandsworth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our unique blend of classroom and farm-based activities not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable students' lives but also offers extensive professional development opportunities, including access to over 1000 CPD courses. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values resilience, relationship-building, and hands-on learning in a therapeutic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its environment before applying. Visit the farm, chat with current staff, and understand how they support vulnerable students. This will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your hands-on skills during interviews. Whether it’s mucking out or lifting heavy loads, demonstrate that you’re not afraid to get stuck in. Practical examples of your experience can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 3
Build rapport with the interviewers by sharing your passion for working with vulnerable young people. Talk about any relevant experiences you have, even if they’re outside of formal education. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We want to see your CV and hear your story, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. Let’s get you on board to make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant / Farm Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you to work in a SEMH setting.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Highlight your comfort with farm work and any hands-on experience you have. Mention specific tasks like mucking out or heavy lifting to show you're ready to get stuck in alongside the students.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the unique aspects of this role. Emphasise your ability to build trusting relationships and your resilience in challenging environments, as these are key to success here.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we see your CV in time for the start date. Remember, we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the unique blend of teaching and farm work involved in this position. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs and how farm-based activities can support emotional regulation. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
If you've had any experience with farm work or working with vulnerable individuals, be ready to share specific examples. Talk about times when you’ve mucked out animals or supported someone in need. This will demonstrate your practical skills and ability to connect with students.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Highlight your ability to build trust and rapport with students. Share stories that illustrate your patience and resilience, especially in challenging situations. This is crucial for a role that requires consistent support for vulnerable young people.
✨Dress for the Job
Since this role involves getting dirty and working outdoors, dress appropriately for the interview. Wearing old clothes can signal that you understand the nature of the job and are ready to get stuck in. It’s a small but effective way to show you’re serious about the position.
