Job Description

About us

Do you have a passion for animal care and supporting young people in an educational setting?

The Axis Academy are seeking a dedicated and compassionate School Farm Caretaker to manage and maintain our developing school farm which is designed to support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The role involves supporting the Outdoor Learning Mentor with animal care, farm maintenance and compliance with UK animal welfare and health & safety policies.

This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work in an educational setting and helping students engage with animals and nature in a therapeutic and educational environment.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with students and staff under the direction of the Outdoor Learning Mentor to support the needs of the farm.

Our farm currently has goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs with the prospect of additional animals in the autumn term. We do not expect the successful applicant to have experience with these animals because full training and support will be provided; our expectation is that you have a love of animals as we do.

This position will require limited weekend work to check and feed the animals. Hours will be fairly flexible depending on the needs of the farm and will be discussed at interview.

In addition to the 16 hours available for this position, there may be the possibility of an additional 10 hours available supporting teachers to prepare for lessons. Again, this can be discussed further with you.

We warmly welcome visits to our school so you can experience first-hand the inspiring atmosphere and supportive environment at The Axis Academy. To arrange a visit, please contact us on 01270 304074 or email admin@theaxisacademy.org.

For more details and to apply, please follow the link below. Together, let's make a difference.

Post holders will be expected to be flexible in undertaking duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform duties which reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and are commensurate with its level of responsibility

Working alongside and under the direction of the Outdoor Learning Mentor:

Animal Care and Welfare

Daily feeding, watering and general care of farm animals

Cleaning enclosures, pens, and coops to ensure a hygienic and safe environment

Monitoring animal health and welfare, arranging and attending vet appointments as needed

Administering basic treatments and medications under veterinary guidance

Managing breeding, handling and socialisation of animals in line with school policies

Farm Maintenance and Upkeep

Monitoring the premises for any hazards, carrying out basic farm repairs and maintenance including but not limited to fencing, animal shelters and pathways or reporting problems, where necessary.

Dealing efficiently with pre-planned maintenance, day to day farm requirements and problems that may arise

Managing waste disposal, including animal bedding and general farm waste, following environmental guidelines

Ensuring all equipment and tools are stored safely and maintained in good condition and required standard

Implementing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease amongst animals

Health and Safety Compliance

Taking reasonable care of own health and safety and that of others

Co-operating on all issues involving health and safety

Using the appropriate work equipment provided, in accordance with training and instructions

Ensuring all equipment is maintained effectively in line with statutory and health and safety requirements

Ensuring all tasks are completed in a safe manner

Porterage of farm materials as required

Keeping accurate records of animal care, veterinary visits, and health checks in compliance with UK animal welfare regulations

Following all health & safety procedures, including risk assessments and COSHH guidelines for hazardous substances

Ensuring the farm remains a safe space for students, staff and visitors

Supporting the implementation of emergency plans for adverse weather, disease outbreaks, or security incidents

This role requires periods of lone working during the weekend and holidays and as such, the postholder will need to display a high degree of responsibility and professionalism in their work

Supporting Student Engagement

Assisting staff in facilitating animal-related activities for SEMH students, ensuring a safe and positive experience

Providing guidance to students on safe and appropriate animal handling

Encouraging student involvement in farm maintenance and animal care as part of their therapeutic and educational development

Safeguarding

All staff have a responsibility to ensure that all school Safeguarding Policies are adhered to at all times and that concerns are raised, in line with School Policy

A commitment to attend suitable training, to support safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities within the school

Attendance at specific staff training sessions, or INSET days, in line with safeguarding and health and safety legislation.

Benefits

Very small class sizes

Fantastic classroom support

Shorter teaching day

Access to training and CPD including further professional qualifications.

Specialist training where required

Cycle to work scheme

Flexible and supportive approach to work

Free lunch at school

Free parking (including charging stations on most sites)

Nursery benefits

Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme

Education Mutual -

private health support

- access to a 24/7 GP, free face to face counselling, physiotherapy, nurse help-line, prescription service whenever you need it

Perkbox - vouchers, discounts and wellbeing

Desired Criteria

Experience in animal care, preferably in a farm or educational setting

Previous experience in an SEMH school or therapeutic environment

Relevant qualification in animal care or agriculture

Experience in engaging children and young people in outdoor learning or animal-assisted activities

First Aid Qualification

Relevant safeguarding training

A valid UK driving license may be necessary for attending vet appointments and collecting supplies

Essential Criteria

Willingness to work weekends and flexible hours as required

Basic maintenance and DIY skills

Ability to use a range of tools and equipment, ensuring safe handling and storage

Ability and willingness to work as part of a team

Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems

Strong organisational skills, including record-keeping

Compassionate and patient approach when working with students and staff

Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with students, internal and external personnel, contractors and suppliers

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 10,735.00-11,206.91 per year

Expected hours: 16 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking
Schedule:

Flexitime
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: School Farm Caretaker