Job Description

https://www.wildflower-meadows.co.uk/recruitment

Wildflower Meadows Provision CIC is a nurturing, child-led alternative provision supporting children who struggle in traditional settings due to SEMH needs, emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA), neurodivergence, and trauma. We are not an education provider, instead, we focus on hands-on, nature-based experiences, empowering children to rebuild confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience in a safe and supportive environment.

Our setting is open to children from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Friday, during term time. The hours for this role are 9 AM to 3 PM, allowing time before and after sessions to prepare resources, facilitate visits and show rounds and handle any other necessary administrative tasks.

Our approach is relationship-driven and neuro-affirming, ensuring children feel seen, valued, and understood. We also provide community support for families, creating a network of care that extends beyond the child.

Role Overview

To provide confident, compassionate leadership that supports the Provision Director in the smooth, safe, and values-aligned running of Wildflower Meadows.
The Senior Facilitator leads the daily operation, mentors staff, plans and delivers meaningful activities, liaises with families and professionals, and contributes to the growth and development of the organisation.

This position balances direct work with children and young people with dedicated non-contact time for planning, mentoring, and project work (approx. 8 hours per week). It is a key leadership role within a small, mission-driven alternative provision.

Leadership & Team Collaboration

Work alongside the facilitator team, modelling Wildflower Meadows' neuro-affirming, self directed approach and ensuring daily operations align with our ethos of compassion, respect, and individuality.

Lead by example, promoting reflective, responsive, and emotionally intelligent practice across the team.

Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and mentoring to facilitators, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and high-quality practice.

Support the induction, supervision, and development of new staff, helping them understand and embed Wildflower's ethos from day one.

Lead daily briefings and debriefs, ensuring key information is shared clearly and calmly.

Operational Oversight

Ensure the smooth, calm running of the provision each day, taking the lead in problem-solving and decision-making when required.

Deputise for the Provision Director in their absence, maintaining communication with families, professionals, and staff.

Oversee staff schedules, breaks, and admin time to maintain balance, structure, and wellbeing across the team.

Monitor Facilitators weekly tracking, support with report writing and provide training and guidance where needed.

Send written feedback for families, schools, and external agencies to reflect each child's wellbeing, development, and progress.

Support with staff training and inducting new staff members.

Support Provision Director with processing admissions and referrals, liaising confidently with families, schools, and Local Authorities.

Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and evidence using Wildflower Meadows' systems.

Planning, Facilitation & Child-Led Practice

Collaborate with children to identify their strengths, challenges, and aspirations, guiding them to monitor their own progress through journey books.

Plan and set up engaging, hands-on activities that respond to young people's interests, strengths, and needs.

Deliver child-led, nature-based and creative experiences, including:

o Outdoor play, sensory exploration, and forest school sessions.

o Creative arts, music, storytelling, and imaginative play.

o Cooking, gardening, and practical life skills.

o Mindfulness, movement, and emotional regulation activities.

Adapt sessions dynamically to meet children's evolving needs, maintaining flexibility and responsiveness.

Balance autonomy with safety through dynamic risk assessments, ensuring the environment remains nurturing and secure.

Safeguarding & Wellbeing

Uphold the highest safeguarding standards, ensuring all children and facilitators feel secure, respected, and valued.

Identify and report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with statutory requirements.

Use restorative, non-punitive approaches to manage conflict and promote emotional regulation.

Model calm, trauma-informed practice and promote co-regulation across all interactions.

Family, Professional & Community Engagement

Develop trusting, respectful relationships with families, schools, commissioners, and other professionals.

Be a visible and approachable presence for families at drop-off and pick-up.

Represent Wildflower Meadows at visits, reviews, and networking events, confidently communicating our ethos and impact.

Lead and host show rounds and visits for prospective families, schools, and commissioning bodies, confidently representing Wildflower's ethos, environment, and approach.

Host and contribute to family engagement events, supporting parents and carers in navigating the SEND journey with confidence.

Support community engagement, marketing, and outreach projects that help Wildflower grow sustainably.

Development & Organisational Growth

Support the Provision Director in building systems and processes that make Wildflower's work sustainable and scalable.

Collaborate on projects, workshops, and initiatives that strengthen our provision and community links.

Contribute insight and feedback on what's working well and where we can evolve, helping shape the next phase of Wildflower's journey.

Person Specification

Essential

Minimum 3 years' experience working directly with children and young people with SEND, SEMH, EBSA, or trauma backgrounds in an educational or therapeutic setting.

At least 1 year of supervisory or line-management experience to deliver consistent, high-quality practice.

Strong safeguarding knowledge with a clear record of identifying and escalating concerns in line with statutory procedures.

Experience working with EHCP's, supporting with annual reviews and willingness to attend review meetings where necessary.

Current First Aid certification (or willingness to complete before end of probation).

Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with external stakeholders, including schools, Local Authorities, and commissioning bodies, providing confident, professional communication.

Proven ability to manage competing priorities calmly, using initiative and sound judgment in fast-changing situations.

Skilled in building trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues through empathy, consistency, and clear boundaries.

Demonstrated understanding of neuro-affirming and trauma-informed approaches, applying these principles in daily interactions.

High level of organisation and digital competence and able to use technology for planning, communication, and evidence recording.

Physically and emotionally resilient, comfortable working in outdoor, all-weather environments.

Personally aligned with Wildflower's values of connection, curiosity, and community.

Desirable

Relevant qualification (Level 3 or above) in Education, Childcare, Youth Work, Counselling, or Therapeutic Practice.

Forest School Leader qualification.

Experience working within an Alternative Provision, therapeutic education, or community-based learning environment.

Demonstrated experience delivering sensory, creative, or therapeutic interventions that promote regulation and engagement.

Knowledge of commissioning and referral pathways within SEND or AP sectors.

Experience supporting or coordinating events, workshops, or community engagement projects for families and professionals.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a mission-driven team transforming the lives of neurodivergent children and their families through compassion, creativity, and connection.

Join us at an exciting time of growth as a developing community organisation, you'll help shape systems, contribute ideas, and play a key role in Wildflower's evolution from the ground up.

Receive ongoing training, CPD, and personal development support to strengthen your practice and leadership skills.

Access our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential wellbeing, counselling, and financial-advice support.

Enjoy high-street discounts and wellbeing perks designed to help you balance work and life.

How to Apply

To apply, please email your completed application form to info@wildflower-meadows.co.uk. Please note that if you fail to complete the application in

full by the closing date, your application will not be considered.

More info found on our website https://www.wildflower-meadows.co.uk/recruitment

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 20.00-22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 27.5 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):

Do you have strong safeguarding knowledge with a clear record of identifying and escalating concerns in line with statutory procedures
Experience:

working directly with young people with SEND in a setting: 3 years (required) supervisory or line-management : 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person