Teaching Assistant - Landbased and Animal Care

Caretech; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Yeovil is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support Landbased and Animal Care programs. You will engage with students, assist with animal care tasks, and work collaboratively with the teaching staff. Ideal candidates will have a passion for animal care and a commitment to supporting young people in their learning journey. This position includes weekend work as part of the duties, and involves close collaboration with educators.

Qualifications

• No previous experience is necessary but a commitment to learning is vital.
• Experience working in a similar setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with animal care tasks and maintenance of the environment.
• Support students in their learning and engagement with activities.

Skills

Passion for animal care

Ability to engage with students

Education

Qualification in Safeguarding or Animal Husbandry

Job description

Teaching Assistant – Landbased and Animal Care

Contract: Temporary – 12 Months Maternity Cover

Hours: 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Cambian Lufton College is a specialist residential education provider for 16 to 25 year olds with ASD, learning disabilities and complex behavioural and emotional needs. The college provides a 2-3 year pathway to prepare our students for adulthood, equipping them with the skills and qualities required to lead a fulfilled, independent and ambitious life.

Purpose and Summary of the Job

To support the delivery of the Landbased and Animal Care curriculums, by providing and leading enrichment sessions, in session support to engage and progress learning for students as a support for the Tutor/Teachers and 1‑1 support to students throughout their educational day.

To provide additional support in the specified curriculum area, supporting the Tutors/Teachers with resources, session delivery and planning.

To provide practical support for the department, including assisting with animal care tasks such as feeding, preparing animal housing, performing health checks, and managing the physical environment and resources. This will involve weekend work, as part of a rota to cover animal care tasks during the weekend. This role is contracted permanently for 52 weeks.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Animal Care Technician with animal care tasks and support the ongoing maintenance of the animal care environment.
• Assist with resources and maintenance of land‑based areas as instructed.
• Show flexibility and differentiation when working across all ability levels, supporting all students to engage in learning opportunities.
• Ensure all students are working towards their agreed accreditations.
• Maintain effective partnerships with parent/carers to promote students' learning and provide information to parents about achievements and progress.
• Help produce quality displays around the college and ensure that they are updated regularly.
• Support students in a range of activities both on and off site.
• Provide support and care for the students throughout the educational day, as required and in line with support plans.
• Assist with therapy programmes.
• Supervise and provide support for all students, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities.

Additional Working Conditions

The successful candidate would be required to work alternative weekends throughout the year as agreed with the Animal Care Technician and Tutor. This includes tasks such as feeding, cleaning and medical support. There will be a reduced weekday timetable to provide necessary care to the animals.

Requirements

No previous experience is necessary but a passion and commitment to gaining the required skills, knowledge and experience is vital.

A qualification in Safeguarding and/or relevant qualifications (e.g., Animal Husbandry) is desirable, as is experience of working within a similar setting.

Equal Opportunities

We pride ourselves on being an Equal Opportunities Employer and are committed to safeguarding and protecting the young people and service users within our care. All candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and reference checks.

If you want to learn from and work with a highly specialist, incredibly proud and integrated team that unlocks the potential of young people, then please talk to us.