Farm Assistant / Worker (Education)

Are you passionate about animal care, horticulture, and outdoor learning? Do you enjoy working with young people and making a difference in an educational and therapeutic setting?

The Dorset Centre of Excellence, which includes Coombe House School, is seeking a full-time Farm Worker / Assistant (Education) to support the day-to-day running and development of our working farm. This is a unique opportunity to combine your practical skills in farming and land management with supporting students’ learning and wellbeing through hands-on, outdoor activities.

Working closely with the Farm Manager, you will provide high-quality animal care, contribute to horticultural projects, and maintain the farm’s infrastructure and habitats. A key part of your role will be delivering farm-based learning activities to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), helping them build skills and confidence through practical engagement.

Key Responsibilities

As the Farm Worker / Assistant (Education), your main duties will include:

• Daily care of animals including feeding, cleaning, welfare checks and enrichment.
• Developing and maintaining farm facilities including fencing, pathways, and enclosures.
• Assisting with seasonal growing projects and the upkeep of the walled garden.
• Delivering small group educational sessions in animal care, horticulture, and outdoor skills.
• Assisting students in developing practical skills and promoting meaningful engagement.
• Helping maintain habitats, paddocks, and enclosures.
• Ensuring the farm is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
• Promoting the ethos of sustainability, belonging, compassion, and ambition across all farm activities.
• Positively representing the farm during any community events or open days and promoting the farm’s educational benefits.

About You

We would like to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

• Experience and genuine interest in animal care and horticulture.
• Experience of working in a farm or agricultural setting.
• Proven experience in basic maintenance and DIY tasks.
• Confidence working with children and young people, ideally with SEND.
• Passion for outdoor learning, sustainability, and therapeutic farming.
• A hands-on, proactive approach and resilience to work in all weather conditions.
• Relevant qualifications in Animal Management or related fields (desirable).
• A valid driving licence (essential due to rural location).

Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role.

About the Dorset Centre of Excellence: 

The Dorset Centre of Excellence is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury, enjoying a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres). Coombe House School meets the needs of children and young people with social communication, emotional and learning needs, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Salary: £25,183 - £25,992 (dependent upon experience)

Contract: Permanent, all-year

Hours: 37 per week mainly Monday to Friday (08.30-16.30 Monday to Thursday, 08.30-16.00 on a Friday). The position requires flexibility, including weekend work.

What the Dorset Centre of Excellence can offer you:

·      The chance to shape a growing farm and educational offer.

·      A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.

·      Competitive salary.

·      31 days annual leave.

·      Enhanced NEST Pension (10% employers’ contribution).

·      Death in Service (3 x salary).

·      Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.

·      Access to an employee assistance programme.

·      On site parking, little perks of appreciation including free tea/coffee/milk.

·      Use of the gym and swimming pool (at specified times).

·      Continuous professional development and training.

·      Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body.

Closing date for applications:  Tuesday 3 June 2025



NOTE: We will close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received.

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.