Job Description
About Brighter Futures College
Brighter Futures College is a specialist post-18 college supporting young adults with learning disabilities to develop independence, employment skills and confidence through practical, real-world learning.
Our curriculum is 80% vocational and 20% classroom-based, enabling students to gain genuine work experience in community-facing enterprises.
We are now launching an exciting community garden in Thamesmead (SE28) where students will learn horticulture, sustainability, and food-growing skills.
Produce grown in the garden will be used in our student-run café and community pantry.
We are also developing a floristry learning pathway in collaboration with Claridge's, helping students gain exposure to professional industry standards.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a passionate and practical Community Gardener & Horticulture Tutor to help establish and run our new community garden.
This is a rare opportunity to build a garden programme from the ground up, working with students, staff, and the local community to create a vibrant learning environment.
The role will initially start part-time but is expected to grow into a full-time position as the programme develops.
Key Responsibilities
Garden Development
* Help design and establish the community garden
* Plan and manage seasonal planting schedules
* Grow a wide range of vegetables, herbs and fruits
* Introduce crops that reflect the cultural diversity of the local community
* Implement sustainable growing practices where possible
Student Learning
* Work alongside students with learning disabilities to teach practical horticulture skills
* Support students in learning:
* planting and propagation
* soil preparation
* composting
* harvesting
* crop care
* Adapt gardening activities so they are inclusive and engaging for all learners
Food Growing
* Grow produce for use in the college café and community pantry
* Support planning of crops that can be harvested regularly
* Help students understand food systems and sustainability
Community Engagement
* Support community activities within the garden including:
* gardening workshops
* forest school-style sessions
* senior citizens gardening days
* seasonal harvest events
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
* An experienced gardener or horticulturalist
* Passionate about community growing and sustainable food
* Comfortable teaching or mentoring others
* Patient and enthusiastic when working with learners with additional needs
* Interested in helping build a new community garden from the ground up
Desirable experience:
* Community gardening or urban farming
* Teaching or mentoring experience
* Knowledge of growing culturally diverse crops
* Running workshops or community events
Why Join Us
This role offers the opportunity to:
* Build a new community garden programme from scratch
* Work directly with students gaining real employment skills
* Contribute to a sustainable food-growing project
* Help create a welcoming community space in Thamesmead
* Be part of a college focused on independence, opportunity and inclusion
Hours
Initially 1-3 days per week with flexibility depending on seasonal activities.
The role is expected to expand to full-time as the garden programme grows.
Location
* Thamesmead, South East London (SE28)