Farm and Garden Learning Assistant – Ruskin Mill Trust

About the Role

Clervaux Garden School is an innovative provision offering full-time education to students aged 10-19 with significant/complex social, emotional, or educational difficulties. The school integrates the RMT Practical Skills Therapeutic Educational curriculum with accredited qualifications. Students learn through a dynamic outdoor land and craft-based curriculum, including textiles, green woodwork, pottery, cooking, blacksmithing, biodynamic gardening, and animal care.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the delivery of teaching and learning for students, supporting across the farm, gardens, and the RISE program on a 100-acre site.
• Work with small groups of students and adults, delivering land-based qualifications, farm and horticulture skills, animal husbandry, and other seasonal activities.
• Engage with farm animals and tractor-based work (training provided).
• Instil enthusiasm and enjoyment in learning to boost self-esteem and engagement.
• Support young people and vulnerable adults with special needs, challenging behaviours, and mental health difficulties.

Requirements

• Experience working with young people and vulnerable adults with special needs, challenging behaviours, and mental health difficulties, or a willingness to develop this.
• Appreciation of Biodynamic principles (training provided through Ruskin Mill Trust’s 2-year Biodynamic Training Programme).
• Flexible and professional approach to work.

Qualifications

No specific qualifications listed, but participation in the Ruskin Mill Trust Biodynamic Training Programme is required.

Skills

• Ability to deliver land-based qualifications and practical skills.
• Comfort working with farm animals and operating tractors (training provided).
• Enthusiasm for experiential and therapeutic education.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and holiday allowances.
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme with salary sacrifice option.
• Health cash plan and employee assistance programme via Medicash.
• Valuable training opportunities, including an interactive induction and access to an MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.

Pay

Actual salary £25,494 (with progression up to £26,565 after completion of internal courses and experience).

Schedule

40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.