Farm Assistant

Larkin Farm is a new purpose-built facility located at Abbey Court School.  It occupies 8 acres behind the school building and is home to sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, rabbits and chicken.  The farm is used to enrich the experiences of the children and is an aid to their learning. 
 
To provide support to the management of the school and assist the Headteacher with promoting the use of the farm as an educational resource. The postholders will maintain responsibility for the welfare of the farm animals whilst working closely with teaching staff to deliver an education to students on animal husbandry and horticulture.  
 
Abbey Court caters for pupils aged 3-19 with Severe Learning Difficulties, and is currently located on 2 Strood sites; Cliffe Road (Nursery, Primary and brand new Secondary provision designed and purpose built specifically to meet the needs of our pupils) and Rede Court Road (Further Education).  The farm is situated at the nursery, primary and secondary site in Cliffe Road.  Comprehensive training and induction will be provided. 
 
Due to the conditions and complex needs of the pupils at Abbey Court School, continuity and consistency of support is paramount and therefore candidates for all positions will need to commit to the full working hours of the post. 
 
We are fully committed to safeguarding and protecting the children at Abbey Court School.  All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, which includes enhanced criminal records and barring check, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks.  It is an offence to apply for this role, if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.  Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practices across the school.  On joining, you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice, and safeguard our children and young people.