Farm School Team Leader

Job content

The LIBRA Schoolis dedicated to the care and education of young children with social and emotional difficulties who can display challenging behaviours.

As a result of a very successful year for our farm school we are looking for a

Farm School Team Leader

Minehead Area

We require a reliable, dedicated and knowledgeable person to join the team at our farm school.

Salary: £23,005 gross per annum FTE.

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

52 weeks (25 days holiday must be taken during school holidays – plus Bank Holidays)

or

39 weeks (Term time) plus 2 preparation weeks (during Libra holiday period) with 5.5 weeks holiday (including bank holidays) - and is taken in Libra School holiday periods (holiday in term time is not permitted), salary £20,571.78 gross per annum.

There may be some lieu/paid work available at weekends, which, if the company requires it, we would expect to be no more than 1 weekend day per month. This would be to assist with animal care and education preparation.

We are seeking an enthusiastic leader for our farm school to lead a small team of staff delivering innovative outside learning and practical experience of farm life.

You must be able to deliver an already established scheme of work to very small groups of children in KS 1 – 3 innovatively, supervise other staff doing the same, be confident working with animals and children who can show challenging behaviours and able to oversee the smooth running of the farm school operation in terms of health, safety and administration.

For Application forms and job descriptions please refer to our website www.libraschool.co.uk.Those who have previously applied, need not re-apply.

Libra is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers. This post is identified as being within the scope of Regulated Activity and requires a cleared Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Agency. As such all previous criminal convictions deemed to be expired under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act are required to be declared, this may not negate the applicant from being appointed.

LIBRA consists of the LIBRA school which is a specialist independent day school registered for 40 children and LIBRA Care which consists of 3 registered high quality children’s homes. There is a strong in-house training programme and we are committed to individual staff professional development seeking to help our staff grow and develop professionally. You will be on a trial period for 3 months. You will need to attend training when required.

LIBRA is an organisation dedicated to the care and education of children usually aged between 5 and 16. LIBRA’s main aim is to restore balance and harmony to the life of each child placed with us and to support the children to develop into mindful young adults with skills and talents to thrive in a community. The majority of children are referred by Local Authorities throughout the Southwest. Many will have come from traumatised backgrounds and will display challenging behaviour. Libra’s children’s homes are in the Minehead area of Somerset and a registered day school at Heasley Mill, near North Molton, Devon with forest and farm school resources at Tivington Farm, near Minehead, Somerset.

LIBRA provides a holistic approach to care and education by assisting these children in their transition to a fulfilling adult lifestyle. We have teams of residential care staff, teachers and school support staff who work with our children - the emphasis being on a family team. The team is supported by therapists.

If the role requires you to drive company vehicles, in line with Libra’s insurance requirements, it is mandatory that you undertake an eye test every two years and to provide a copy of this.

• LIBRA is committed to ensuring that all members of its community, including children and staff are treated fairly and equally regardless of their race, colour, gender, nationality, religious or political beliefs, ethnic or national origin, age, gender reassignment, marital status, sexual orientation, social background or disability. Appointments will be made solely on merit.
• LIBRA operates a no smoking policy in all its locations.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

To lead a small team of learning support staff to deliver an innovative scheme of work (planned and supervised by a qualified teacher) and practical farm experience within a therapeutic environment under the guidance of Gina Dyer (Farm Owner) and Kirsty Crosby (Principal) or in her absence Abi Staff (Head of Education) complying with policies and procedures.

Working with Children

· In terms of working with children, please make sure you have read Libra’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, the DfE’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ September 2020 and Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Children. All of which were sent to you when you took up your post and are available on request from the office. Libra’s induction programme will provide full instruction and guidance on best practice, procedures and protocol in terms of working with children.

Application deadline: 05/08/2021

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Up to £23,005.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work remotely:

• No