Learning Practitioner - Animal Care/Management

Sunderland College; Ashington, Ponteland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance 35-48 days

LGPS or Teacher Pension

Lifestyle discounts

Wellbeing support hub

Free parking

Free gym access

Job summary

Education Partnership North East invites applications for an Animal Care Learning Practitioner at Kirkley Hall, Ponteland. This is a part‑time role (0.6 FTE, three days per week) within EPNE’s animal care teaching team, delivering across levels entry to 3 using campus resources.

You will teach using the on‑site facilities including BIAZA registered zoo, farm and equine yards, promote ethics and welfare, and support SEND learners where applicable.

Qualifications

• L3 qualification or above in a relevant subject.
• Level 2 maths grade 4 or above.
• Level 2 English grade 4 or above.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning
• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and standards of assessment
• Teach students to high standards using appropriate and varied student-centered approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience
• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme
• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required

Skills

Animal industry experience

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Digital teaching tools

SEND learners experience

Education

L3 qualification or above

Maths level 2 (grade 4+)

English level 2 (grade 4+)

Job description

About the College

Northumberland College is Ofsted Outstanding and is currently building a multi-million, state of the art, new college campus in Ashington, due to open in 2026. The successful candidate will be based at the new college where a purpose-built construction, housing, advanced manufacturing and engineering centre will be located. Curriculum spans technical, vocational further and higher education and includes large apprenticeship provision and dedicated centres for young people with SEND. The College has two main campuses in Ashington, and Ponteland, and as part of the college group Education Partnership Northeast, it also has a significant number of satellite delivery centres across the region Served by easy road links, and the new train station in Ashington, when Northumberland College opens its new Department for Education backed campus at Wansbeck Business Park, the college will boast a national trailblazer both in architectural design and operation. This major £52 million+ investment comes on top of the College recently driving £14million into new facilities and resources at its existing sites.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate

We are currently seeking a motivated and passionate animal care Learning practitioner to join our ambitious team at Kirkley Hall campus on a part time, permanent basis (0.6 FTE, three days a week). We pride ourselves on providing exceptional education and training in the animal care industry and we are looking for someone with current industry experience who will share this passion and impart their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation of animal care workers and leaders.

About the Role

The role is based at the Kirkley Hall campus, Ponteland, which is part of the Education Partnership North East Group. EPNE is committed to cultivating a generation of forward-thinking individuals who are equipped to drive positive change in our communities. As an animal care learning practitioner you will teach students from entry level to level 3 and have the benefit of utilising campus based resources including BIAZA registered zoo, farm and equine facilities and Kirkley Hall estates. You will be at the forefront of animal care education, inspiring students to understand ethics and welfare and to think critically and innovatively about the future of the animal care industry. Previous experience of working with SEND learners would be an advantage.

Role Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through career focused schemes of learning
• Provide an excellent experience to students through exemplary learning, teaching and standards of assessment
• Teach students to high standards using appropriate and varied student - centred approaches, embracing learning technologies to enhance the student experience.
• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to the wider professional development programme.
• Liaise effectively with the wider support team to ensure appropriate and high-quality academic support is provided as required.
• Participate in college recruitment and marketing events where required.

Qualifications

• L3 qualification or above in a relevant subject
• Level 2 maths grade 4 or above
• Level 2 English grade 4 or above

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience of working in the animal industry (minimum two years)
• Up to date knowledge of industry standard practice
• Ability to work collaboratively with students and colleagues
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to work towards a L5 teaching qualification

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Ability to use digital technology to support innovative learning
• Previous experience of working in the FE sector

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and well being, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to my Lifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive well being support through a digital Well being Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial well being.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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