Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Teacher with Equine Experience to join our team and develop engaging, equine-assisted learning programmes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both education and equine care, with experience working with young people who have special educational needs (SEN) or those who may have difficulty building relationships in traditional classroom settings. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for teaching, horses, and personal development, making a real impact on young lives.
Key Responsibilities
* Programme Development: Lead the creation and development of new, innovative equine-assisted education programmes that align with our ethos and mission, promoting life skills, emotional awareness, and vocational training.
* Teaching and Mentoring: Deliver tailored learning sessions with a focus on equine care, horse handling, and academic skills, adapting content to suit individual learning needs.
* Equine-Assisted Learning: Utilize your knowledge of horses to help students develop life skills such as confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and communication through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios.
* Emotional and Behavioural Support: Support students in managing their emotions and behaviours, using horses as a therapeutic tool to foster self-awareness and growth.
* Collaboration: Work closely with the existing coaching team, staff members, and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each student's development and success.
* Assessment and Feedback: Regularly assess student progress, providing constructive feedback and helping them set and achieve personal and educational goals.
* Health & Safety: Ensure the safety and welfare of both students and horses, maintaining a high standard of care and vigilance in all activities.
* Administrative Tasks: Manage programme-related paperwork, including tracking student progress, managing resources, and writing daily reports as part of the vocational experience.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
* Teaching Qualification: A recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS) or equivalent experience in alternative education.
* Equine Experience: Significant hands-on experience with horses, including horse care, handling, and riding. A relevant equine qualification (such as BHS or similar) is highly desirable.
* Experience with SEN: Demonstrated experience working with young people who have special educational needs (SEN), emotional or behavioural challenges, or those struggling in traditional education settings.
* Life Skills Development: A strong understanding of how to foster key life skills in young people, such as confidence, communication, perseverance, and responsibility.
* Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage students and adapt teaching methods to suit various learning styles.
* Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with staff, coaches, students, and external stakeholders.
* Passion for Nature and Outdoor Learning: A commitment to working outdoors, with an appreciation for the therapeutic value of nature and animals in education.
* Safeguarding and First Aid: Knowledge of safeguarding practices, with up-to-date DBS certification and First Aid qualifications (or a willingness to obtain these).
Desirable Skills
* Experience in developing vocational and accredited training programmes.
* Familiarity with equine-assisted therapy or learning models.
* Previous work in a rural or nature-based educational setting.
What We Offer
* A dynamic, supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
* Opportunities for personal and professional development, including training and accreditation in equine-assisted learning.
* A collaborative team of passionate educators, coaches, and staff.
* The chance to work in a stunning natural setting, combining your love for horses and teaching.
Harness Change at Cumbria Rural Academy CIC
Harness Change at Cumbria Rural Academy CIC provides educational courses and training to promote fitness, physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as emotional awareness with due regard to the welfare of animals and wider ecological and environmental impact.
Join us in a new approach to learning with horses. We offer everything from horse riding for all abilities including high-level dressage coaching, events for business groups, team building, alternative education, personal wellbeing support, and much more.
We focus on equine-facilitated learning rather than just training people to ride horses and be competitive. Our journey of progression is internal and about mindfulness rather than about external goals and achievements. We teach life skills and how everything we do is about improving the happiness, mental health and physical health of both horses and their riders.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Expected hours: 16 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person