Gardening Teaching Assistant

Rotherham-Metropolitan-Borough-Council; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 8,900 - 9,200; Part time

Job summary

Warmsworth Primary School in Doncaster is seeking a part-time Gardening Teaching Assistant to support its gardening education program. The role involves leading small groups of children in practical sessions and helping maintain the school grounds.

The successful candidate will plan engaging activities, foster social and emotional development outdoors, and work flexibly during term time. Permanent from January 2027, 15 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Gardening knowledge is essential.
• Ability to lead practical gardening sessions for children aged 3–11.
• Maintains and develops school garden areas.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead gardening sessions for small groups or individuals.
• Maintain school grounds including raised beds, greenhouse, orchard, and polytunnel.
• Support outdoor learning and brig social-emotional wellbeing.

Skills

Gardening knowledge

Lead small groups

Planning activities

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Location Warmsworth Primary School

Salary Grade 5 £26,016 to £26,847 FTE per annum. Actual Salary £8,937 to £9,222 per annum

Gardening Teaching Assistant

Warmsworth Primary School 09/11/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary Grade 5 £26,016 to £26,847 FTE per annum. Actual Salary £8,937 to £9,222 per annum Contractual hours 15 Basis Part time Region Doncaster Job category/type Education - Non-Teaching Date posted 27/10/2026 Job reference REQ24301 Attachments Standard Application form - Non Teaching.doc Gardening Teaching Assistant - Person Specification - October 2026 (1).docx Recruitment Privacy Notice 2025 (1).pdf Gardening Teaching Assistant - Job Description - October 2026 (1).docx

Job description

Warmsworth Primary School

Mill Lane

Warmsworth

Doncaster

DN4 9RG

Permanent from January 2027

15 hours per week, term time only, to be worked flexibly dependant on weather and/or season.

A unique opportunity has arisen for someone who has both the necessary gardening skills and the ability to lead small groups of children in gardening activities. The successful candidate will also be required to undertake the day to day, hands on maintenance and development of the garden areas of Warmsworth Primary School.

Warmsworth Primary is a large, two form entry LA maintained school, providing education for children aged between 3 and 11 years old. We benefit from a large site and have an outstanding learning environment. Parents actively support their children, and we have a committed and effective Governing Body.

Gardening is already very well established at the school, and the children use their garden areas to develop skills in a variety of subjects across the curriculum and have previously been regular winners in the Doncaster in Bloom competition. We have a variety of distinct garden areas ranging from a wild-life garden, poly-tunnel, vegetable plots, and fruit tree orchard and we value the benefits of school gardening which range from improved behaviour and emotional well-being, scientific knowledge and understanding, to healthier eating habits.

The successful candidate will be someone who:

• Is able to plan and lead practical gardening sessions for small groups or individuals that complement and enrich the curriculum for children aged between 3-11 years
• Is able to provide experiences to develop social and emotional skills for vulnerable children
• Supports student engagement, social and emotional wellbeing in an outdoor environment.
• Maintains our wonderful school grounds, including raised beds, the greenhouse, fruit orchard and poly-tunnel
• Works using their own initiative, and alongside other colleagues
• Isa able to maintain and further develop the school gardens to provide a source of pride, pleasure and enjoyment for the entire school community.
• Demonstrates high standards of themselves and others
• Has the passion to make a difference in our school
• Is a good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Is able to form relationships quickly with our children, parents and staff

We can offer:

• A very welcoming, caring school ethos, where we are passionate about meeting the needs of all children and develop each child as a whole
• An opportunity to work within a talented, hard-working, supportive team of staff, governors and parents, who are committed to promoting high achievement across the curriculum
• An inclusive ethos with happy, enthusiastic and motivated children, who are eager to learn and parents who support the education of their children
• Excellent professional learning opportunities and career development
• A well-resourced school, quality learning environment both inside and out.

Gardening knowledge is essential and the use of general gardening equipment is desirable.

Please note, as part of our safeguarding procedures, under KCSIE 2026, the school may search social media accounts as part of the shortlisting and interview process.

Closing date: 12 noon Monday 9 th November 2026.

The Governors of Warmsworth Primary School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants will undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS certificate, the role is engaged in regulated activity and will therefore require a children’s barred list check. Shortlisted Applicants will be required to complete a self-disclosure.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Head Office
Riverside House
Main Street
Rotherham
S60 1AE