Learning Assistant, Farm
Based at Glasshouse College's, Vale Head Farm, Kinver
40 Hours per week, 37 weeks per year (Term time only)
Salary Range (FTE): £26,308
Pro-rata Actual Salary: £21,470
Once Qualified in L4 Education and Training and after completion of relevant RMT courses and increased length of service, there is a potential to earn up to £21,899 per annum
Glasshouse College reflects the history of the Stourbridge glassmaking district. The local traditions of glassblowing, etching and engraving provide a rich stimulus for the college's signature craft. Our students also attend other craft workshops including green woodwork, blacksmithing and textiles. Glasshouse College is part of Ruskin Mill Trust.
Established in 1984, Ruskin Mill Trust is an educational charity that operates in England, Scotland and Wales. We offer exciting outdoor learning environments, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autistic spectrum conditions and other learning differences. Our research-led method, Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, is inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris. Working with hand, head, heart and place, Ruskin Mill Trust helps individuals to re-imagine their potential.
An exciting opportunity has become available to support our farm tutors in the delivery of high-quality practical skills, teaching and learning to small groups of learners aged between 16-25, at our beautiful 40-acre biodynamic Vale Head Farm site in Kinver.
The role includes working with young people with autism and complex learning differences, who come to learn and work as part of their Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) programme at Glasshouse College, Stourbridge, an independent specialist college run by Ruskin Mill Trust.
Applicants must have experience of working with learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A knowledge of biodynamic farming or willingness to learn about biodynamic farming would be advantageous.
The key duties in this role will include:
· To assist the farm tutors in the implementation of individual educational programmes for students and where appropriate monitor and record their progress.
· To support the running of the farm throughout the year as part of the wider farm team.
· To develop skills and knowledge as an apprentice and therapeutic educator.
To assist with the maintenance of student records.
· To assist with the planning of individualised activities for students.
· To support students with social, emotional and mental health issues to overcome any barriers to learning.
· To gain familiarity with student profiles and risk assessments to ensure students' individual needs are met.
· To support the assessment, tracking and monitoring of student progress and delivery of qualification pathways in line with students' needs and aspirations.
To undertake this position successfully, you will have:
· A knowledge of specialist education.
· Experience of working with learners with learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
· Excellent communication and organisational skills.
· Experience of and/or commitment to working with biodynamic farming methods.
· A flexible and professional approach to work.
Working at Ruskin Mill Trust is incredibly rewarding; we offer competitive salaries and holiday allowances, an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option, a health cash plan and employee assistance programme via Medicash.
In addition, staff receive valuable training opportunities including an in-depth interactive induction to enable our new team members to experience our Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum and also opportunities for further training and academic research including our own MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.
Full details of our benefits can be viewed on
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,308.00 per year
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Discounted or free food
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Application question(s):
* Are you able to commute via your own vehicle?
* We cannot offer sponsorship for this role, do you require sponsorship?
Work Location: In person