Bank Farm Assistant

Nightingale Community Academy; Tooting; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A special educational institution in Tooting is seeking a dedicated Farm Assistant to support the education and welfare of learners through farm-based activities. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in animal husbandry, supporting young people, and promoting positive behaviours. The role offers a rewarding career in a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Benefits

Pathways for progression

Pension Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Employee Wellbeing support

Employee Discounts

Other benefits such as season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience working on an educational or similar farm.
• Experience supporting young people, including those with special educational needs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends or holidays.

Responsibilities

• Plan and assist with farm-based learning activities.
• Ensure all farm equipment and learning resources are well organized.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Support assessment of learners' progress.
• Participate in school-based training.

Skills

Experience with animal husbandry

Supporting young people

Teamwork and communication

Practical skills for manual tasks

Commitment to safeguarding

Job description

Nightingale Community Academy is a special school in Wandsworth, providing education for boys aged 5 to 19 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Our primary pupils benefit from a purpose-built classroom hub, an outdoor adventure playground, weekly music lessons, and a comprehensive therapy service. Secondary and post‑16 students have access to a broad curriculum, including vocational courses such as motor vehicle studies, construction, horticulture, and hospitality. All pupils also enjoy regular animal therapy sessions at Tom’s Farm, located on our expansive school grounds.

Staff at Nightingale Community Academy take pride in the development of young people in a safe and stimulating environment and are offered a rewarding and varied career in return.

About the Job

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Farm Assistant to join our team. In this vital role, you will support the education and welfare of learners, contributing to their personal and social development through meaningful farm‑based experiences. You will share responsibility for the wellbeing and pastoral care of learners, while carrying out practical tasks to ensure the health, safety, and nutritional needs of the farm animals are met. Working closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, and colleagues across the school, you will play an important part in maintaining a safe, purposeful, and inspiring learning environment that reflects the Academy’s aims and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Teaching and Learning: Plan and assist with farm‑based learning activities that meet the needs of individuals and groups, using varied teaching styles to promote progression, engagement, and achievement.
• Resource and Environment Management: Ensure all farm equipment and learning resources are well organised, safe, and accessible, maintaining high standards of health, safety, and animal welfare.
• Support for Learners and Staff: Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and students to create an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
• Assessment and Quality Assurance: Support the accurate assessment of learners’ progress and achievement in accredited land‑based qualifications, including Animal Care and related courses.
• Professional Development: Participate in school‑based training and take responsibility for ongoing professional development and performance management activities.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of two years’ experience working on an educational or similar farm, with sound knowledge of animal husbandry.
• Experience supporting young people, including those with special educational needs or challenging behaviour.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with staff and learners.
• Strong practical skills, reliability, and the ability to undertake manual farm tasks safely and efficiently.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality of opportunity, and promoting positive learner outcomes.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends or holidays, and to undertake relevant training such as First Aid certification.

Rewards & Benefits

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme – the local government pension scheme (LGPS) or teachers’ pension scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – cycle scheme and home electronics scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing – access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working and enhanced parental leave, employee assistance programme, MyGym discounts, corporate eyecare scheme.
• Employee Discounts – blue light card, Costco membership, discounts for teachers, and more.
• Other benefits – season ticket loan and employee referral scheme.

Our Trust

Nightingale Community Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre‑school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of SEND. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work, please visit our website.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the school directly. Visits to the school in advance of applications are encouraged.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the application form.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.