Are you passionate about animals, education, and making a real difference? At Trent Acres, part of Options Autism, we're looking for an inspiring Animal Care Instructor to join our close-knit, dedicated team. In this role, you'll plan, deliver, and lead both practical and theory-based animal care lessons, helping pupils build skills, confidence, and independence in a nurturing, personalised environment. No two days are the same! From classroom theory to hands‑on care with our animals, and even supporting off‑site activities, your work will directly shape learning experiences and help pupils reach their potential - academically, emotionally, and socially.
Responsibilities
* Plan, prepare, and deliver practical and theory-based animal care lessons.
* Inspire pupils through active learning and hands‑on experiences.
* Provide personal support to help pupils achieve their academic and emotional potential.
* Support pupils' behaviour and wellbeing in line with the school ethos.
* Contribute to a personalised, holistic curriculum that meets the individual needs of each pupil.
* Assist across the school, including off‑site activities when not instructing lessons.
* Develop and enhance the animal care provision, making learning engaging, purposeful, and fun.
Qualifications
* Passionate about animals and education, with the ability to inspire young learners.
* Calm, patient, and compassionate, with strong interpersonal skills.
* Flexible and adaptable, ready to support pupils in a variety of learning and school settings.
* Creative and enthusiastic in delivering practical and theory‑based lessons.
* Committed to the school's nurturing ethos and dedicated to helping every pupil succeed.
About the Role and Workplace
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first. That's why we're proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving 80 % of your contractual hours for 100 % of your pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. The student body includes pupils with autism, trauma, attachment, anxiety, and other complex needs. We provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and experience a sense of belonging. Small groups, high staff ratios, and personalised programmes support social, emotional, and academic development. Integrated clinical care and strong family partnerships empower every pupil to build confidence, independence, and the skills to thrive in life.
Benefits
* Life Assurance.
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
* Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks.
* Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits; hundreds of UK and international discounts; cycle‑to‑work scheme & electric car purchase scheme; critical illness cover; family growth support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.
* Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
Compliance and Recruitment
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants will receive a fully enhanced DBS.
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