Session Support Worker

About BEES UK

Bespoke Engaging Education Services (BEES UK) is a specialist alternative provision, not a school, supporting children and young people who experience barriers to life and learning.

Young people referred to BEES UK come with a wide range of abilities, strengths and interests. They are referred to us so that we can provide the right environment and relationships to help them overcome barriers, rebuild confidence and believe in themselves.

Our work is hands-on and land-based, combining animal care, outdoor and practical activities with relationship-centred, trauma-informed support. We offer a calm, nurturing environment where young people can experience success, responsibility and purpose.

We are a small, values-led organisation working with an extraordinary range of animals, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, ferrets, wallabies, koi carp, amphibians, reptiles and a very cheeky porcupine

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: behind every behaviour is a reason. We actively seek positive, can-do people who can see potential where others may only see difficulty and who enjoy inspiring young people to believe in themselves.

Video Introduction

We have created a short, two-minute video introduction to BEES UK to give a sense of our environment, values and approach. Watching the video may help you decide whether our setting and ethos are right for you.

About the Role

We are seeking a Session Support Worker to join our dedicated team.

You will support small groups of young people aged 8–18 within an outdoor, animal-based environment, working alongside them through shared activities and positive relationships.

This role is not classroom-based and does not involve formal teaching. BEES UK does not currently deliver curriculum studies. While we may consider this in the future, there is no guarantee that this role would develop into a teaching position. Enquiries from qualified teachers are nevertheless welcome.

The role can be emotionally demanding at times and requires resilience, emotional intelligence and a genuine commitment to supporting young people to overcome barriers and grow in confidence.

Contract and Working Pattern

This role is offered on a temporary, zero-hours contract.

Sessions may be offered between one and five days per week, depending on the number of young people enrolled, referral patterns and operational need. There is no guarantee of minimum hours.

While there may be opportunities for the role to become permanent in the future, this is not guaranteed and would be subject to organisational need, funding and performance.

Key Responsibilities

As a Session Support Worker, you will:

• Positively engage and inspire young people to participate, try new things and recognise their strengths

• Support young people to build confidence, emotional regulation and self-worth

• Work alongside young people in animal care, outdoor and practical activities

• Help create and maintain a safe, calm and welcoming environment

• Model optimism, patience and unconditional positive regard

• Support young people through challenges with encouragement and clear boundaries

• Assist with daily preparation, tidying, practical tasks and basic risk awareness

• Work collaboratively with a small, supportive team

• Follow safeguarding procedures and professional standards

The role involves outdoor work in all weathers, regular interaction with animals and some physical activity.

About You

Essential:

• Positive, encouraging and solutions-focused

• Enjoys inspiring young people to believe in themselves

• Strong written, IT and verbal communication skills, with the ability to follow procedures and contribute to basic written records

• Calm and supportive during challenging moments

• Believes that behind every behaviour is a reason and that positive regard can change lives

• Open to learning trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches

• Comfortable working outdoors and around animals

Desirable:

• Experience working with children or young people in support or care settings

• Experience of farm work or practical site maintenance

• Practical skills such as carpentry, plumbing or fencing

We value values, attitude and the ability to inspire as highly as experience.

What We Offer

• A warm, inclusive and values-led working environment

• Meaningful work supporting young people to overcome barriers and thrive

• Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and animal care

• Ongoing support, supervision and reflective practice

• Term-time working pattern with set daytime hours

• A unique farm-based environment with an exceptional range of animals

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

This role involves working with children and young people. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.

BEES UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short covering statement explaining how you inspire and encourage young people, and why you would like to join BEES UK, to:

Please mark the subject box: Session Support Role

We reserve the right to shortlist and interview suitable candidates as applications are received.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Informal conversations or site visits can be arranged.

Volunteer roles also available.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 4 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person