Teaching Assistant - Landbased and Animal Care
Location: Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8ST
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 02/05/2026
About this job
Contract: Temporary – 12 months maternity cover / Permanent position available. Hours: 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.
Lufton College, part of the Cambian group, is a specialist residential education provider for 16‑to‑25‑year olds with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and complex behavioural and emotional needs. The college offers a 2‑3 year pathway that equips students with the skills and qualities required to lead a fulfilled, independent and ambitious life.
Purpose and summary of the job: Support the delivery of the Landbased and Animal Care curricula by leading enrichment sessions, providing in‑session support to engage and progress learning, and offering 1‑to‑1 support throughout the educational day. Assist Tutors/Teachers with resources, session delivery and planning, and provide practical support for the department, including feeding, housing preparation, health checks, and management of the physical environment. This role will involve weekend work as part of a rota for animal care tasks.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist the Animal Care Technician with animal care tasks and support ongoing maintenance of the animal care environment.
* Assist with resources and maintenance of land‑based areas as instructed.
* Show flexibility and differentiation when working across all ability levels, supporting all students to engage in learning opportunities.
* Ensure all students are working towards their agreed accreditations.
* Maintain effective partnerships with parents/carers to promote students’ learning and to provide information about achievements and progress.
* Help produce quality displays around the college and ensure they are updated regularly.
* Support students in a range of activities both on and off site.
* Provide support and care for the students throughout the educational day, as required and in line with support plans.
* Assist with therapy programmes.
* Supervise and provide support for all students, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities.
* Work alternative weekends throughout the year (as agreed with the Animal Care Technician and Tutor) to provide necessary care to the animals, including feeding, cleaning, and medical support, with a reduced weekday timetable.
Requirements
* No previous experience is necessary; a passion and commitment to gain the required skills, knowledge and experience is vital.
* A qualification in Safeguarding and/or relevant qualifications (e.g. Animal Husbandry) are desirable, as is experience of working within a similar setting.
* All candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and reference checks.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to safeguarding and protecting the young people and service users within our care.
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