Farm Assistant

Nightingale Community Academy; Tooting; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused educational institution in England is seeking a dedicated Farm Assistant to support students through farm‑based experiences and pastoral care. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience in animal husbandry and a passion for working with young people. This role includes responsibilities for managing farm-based learning activities and promoting student wellbeing.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Employee Wellbeing programs

Employee Discounts

Season Ticket Loan

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience working on a farm.
• Experience supporting young people with special educational needs.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with staff and learners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and assist with farm-based learning activities.
• Ensure farm equipment and resources are safe and organized.
• Promote positive behavior and emotional wellbeing.

Skills

Animal husbandry knowledge

Supporting young people

Teamwork

Manual farm tasks

Safeguarding commitment

Job description

Job Summary

Farm Assistant – Nightingale Community Academy, Beechcroft Road, SW17 7DF. Salary: £29,391.00 per annum (Scale SC1B, Spine Point 7). Working pattern: 36 hours, 5 days per week – 3 days 08:30–16:00, 2 days 08:30–16:30. All year round. The Academy is a special school for boys aged 5 to 19 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The role supports the education and welfare of learners through farm‑based experiences, pastoral care and animal welfare.

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

• Pension Scheme – enrolment in Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing – counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, enhanced parental leave, Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
• Employee Discounts – Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more.
• Other – Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme.

Our Trust

Nightingale Community Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, a family of specialist education providers from pre‑school to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining a diverse range of students, staff and partners. Our team of over 1500 people offers a wide range of roles, from teaching and therapy to business support and significant career progression opportunities.

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.

Application Information

Closing Date: 13 / 12 / 2025. Interviews will take place on 15 / 12 / 2025. To apply, click ‘Fast Apply’ – you will be directed to a ‘Login’ page, then complete and submit the Application Form. CV applications cannot be considered. If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please contact the school directly. Visits to the school in advance of applications are encouraged. Your application form will be scored according to 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.