Animal Care and Education Coordinator

Kids Planet Day Nurseries; England; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

A children's educational organisation in England is seeking an Animal Care and Education Coordinator to oversee the animal care and welfare while providing engaging educational experiences for young children. The ideal candidate will have experience in animal husbandry and a passion for early years education. This part-time role involves working outdoors and engaging children with nature and animal life.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal husbandry in a relevant setting.
• Knowledge of animal welfare legislation.
• Enthusiasm for working with young children.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily care and welfare of animals.
• Design educational activities related to animal care.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Animal husbandry experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Qualification in Animal Care or related field

Job description

Overview

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.

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