— this role does not offer sponsorship
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.
About the Role
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 offsite activities, your work will directly shape learning experiences and help pupils reach their potential — academically, emotionally, and socially.
What You’ll Be Doing
1. Plan, prepare, and deliver practical and theory-based Animal Care lessons.
2. Inspire pupils through active learning and hands-on experiences.
3. Provide personal support to help pupils achieve their academic and emotional potential.
4. Support pupils’ behaviour and wellbeing in line with the school ethos.
5. Contribute to a personalised, holistic curriculum that meets the individual needs of each pupil.
6. Assist across the school, including offsite activities when not instructing lessons.
7. Develop and enhance the Animal Care provision, helping make learning engaging, purposeful, and fun.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
8. Passionate about animals and education, with the ability to inspire young learners.
9. Calm, patient, and compassionate, with strong interpersonal skills.
10. Flexible and adaptable, ready to support pupils in a variety of learning and school settings.
11. Creative and enthusiastic in delivering practical and theory-based lessons.
12. Committed to the school’s nurturing ethos and dedicated to helping every pupil succeed.
About the school
Options Trent Acres School is currently undergoing development and increasing its pupils numbers transitioning from 30 pupils to 60 pupils recently and with approval to open an Early Years Unit and extend our Primary provision. Due to this exciting time for the School the job roles currently advertised are all new as part of this development.
The school is purpose built, modern and welcoming with a range of specialist learning areas including an indoor and outdoor riding school and outdoor gymnasium. Children also have the opportunity to work with our horses, donkeys, goats, alpaca and chickens. Learning outside of the classroom is a fundamental part of life at Trent Acres. We have a dedicated staff team who are focused on the delivery of high quality, child centred, bespoke packages of care and education.
Our service is in within easy reach of Stoke, Derby, Telford, Stafford, Lichfield, Burntwood, Rugeley, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and surrounding towns.
For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
13. Life Assurance
14. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
15. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
16. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
17. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
18. Cycle to Work Schemes
19. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
20. Critical illness cover
21. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales
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