Join the Team at The Orchard
At The Orchard, our staff play a vital role in supporting young people to grow, develop and move forward.
Every day, our team creates a safe, structured and supportive environment where learners build confidence, develop life skills and engage in meaningful learning.
We are committed to maintaining high standards across all areas of provision, with a strong focus on relationships, consistency and professional practice.
We work together as a team, guided by our shared mission:
“To provide high-quality specialist education and development opportunities in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.”
At The Orchard, we are more than a workplace ,we are a community built on trust, respect and a shared purpose.
Our Values
Our values underpin everything we do at The Orchard. They guide our practice, shape our environment and ensure we deliver safe, consistent and high-quality provision for every learner.
Welfare First
Safety and wellbeing come first ,for both learners and animals. We act with care, responsibility and integrity at all times.
Kindness & Respect
We build positive relationships through patience, empathy and understanding. Staff model the behaviours and attitudes we expect from learners.
Clear Communication
We communicate openly, honestly and clearly, ensuring consistency across the team and clarity for learners.
Teamwork & Collaboration
We work together to achieve the best outcomes. Strong teamwork ensures a stable, supportive and consistent environment.
Professional Growth
We invest in our people. Staff are supported to develop their skills, reflect on practice and grow professionally.
A Positive Learning Environment
We create a calm, structured and supportive environment where learners feel safe, valued and able to succeed.
Why Work at The Orchard?
Working at The Orchard means being part of a team that makes a genuine difference.
We provide a calm, structured and supportive environment where both learners and staff are valued, and where every role contributes to meaningful progress.
A Purpose-Led Team
Work alongside a team that is committed to supporting young people with care, consistency and professionalism.
Making a Real Impact
Every day, your work supports learners to build confidence, develop independence and achieve positive outcomes.
Welfare-First Approach
We maintain high standards of care for both learners and animals, ensuring a safe, ethical and well-managed environment.
Ongoing Development
We invest in our staff, offering opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and grow professionally.
A Varied, Hands-On Role
No two days are the same. Roles combine practical, relational and developmental work in a real-world environment.
A Strong, Supportive Culture
We value teamwork, communication and consistency, creating a workplace where staff feel supported and able to succeed.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for individuals who are committed to making a meaningful difference and who can contribute to a calm, consistent and professional environment.
Working at The Orchard requires patience, resilience and a genuine understanding of supporting young people with additional needs.
We’re looking for people who are:
Warm, calm and approachable
Confident working in practical, outdoor learning environments
Patient and understanding with learners
Committed to a welfare-first and safety-led approach
Strong team players who communicate clearly and respectfully
Reliable, responsible and able to use initiative
Willing to learn, reflect and adapt
Positive role models for young people
Attitude Matters
Experience is valuable ,but mindset is essential.
We are looking for people who demonstrate:
Empathy
Professionalism
Commitment
A willingness to grow
Skills can be developed.
Kindness, consistency and a strong work ethic are fundamental.
Current Opportunities
We are always interested in hearing from individuals who share our values and are committed to making a meaningful difference.
As The Orchard continues to develop, opportunities may arise across our pathways, supporting learners through practical, relational and vocational approaches.
Roles within our team may include:
Learning support and teaching assistant roles
Learner mentor and pastoral support positions
SEN support roles
Practical and vocational instructors
Animal care, equine and land-based support roles
Current Vacancies
Any current vacancies will be listed below.
If no roles are currently advertised, we still encourage expressions of interest from individuals who feel they would be a strong fit for our team.
Animal Care Assessor / Tutor (Part-Time)
We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable individual to join our team as an Animal Care Assessor / Tutor (Part-Time).
This role involves supporting learners to develop practical skills, knowledge and confidence within our animal care and land-based pathways, delivering a structured and engaging learning experience in a supportive, hands-on environment.
This role is based within our specialist provision and requires a commitment to supporting learners with additional needs.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver practical and vocational learning within animal care provision
Support learners to develop skills, confidence and independence
Contribute to planning and delivering structured sessions
Assess learner progress in line with programme requirements
Support learners with a range of needs, including SEND and SEMH
Maintain high standards of animal welfare and safe practice
Work collaboratively as part of a consistent, supportive team
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
Experienced in animal care or land-based practice
Confident supporting young people in a learning environment
Calm, patient and able to build positive relationships
Organised and able to work within a structured framework
Committed to safeguarding, welfare and professional standards
Experience in SEND, SEMH or alternative provision is highly desirable.
What We Offer
A supportive, values-led working environment
Opportunities for professional development
A varied, hands-on role within a growing provision
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives
🛡️ Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
The Orchard is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All staff are expected to share this commitment.
This role is subject to a safer recruitment process, including:
Enhanced DBS check
Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
Reference checks, including most recent employer
Employment history checks and explanation of any gaps
Appropriate safeguarding and suitability screening
We expect all staff to:
Work in line with safeguarding policies and procedures
Maintain professional boundaries
Promote the safety, wellbeing and best interests of all learners
Apply
If you feel you would be a strong fit for this role, we would love to hear from you.
Please Apply Below
Equine Tutor / Assessor (Part-Time)
We are seeking a passionate, qualified and knowledgeable individual to join our team as an Equine Tutor / Assessor (Part-Time).
This role involves delivering City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Equine qualifications, supporting learners to develop practical skills, knowledge, confidence and independence through structured, engaging and hands-on learning.
Based within our specialist post-16 provision, the successful candidate will work with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and neurodivergent profiles.
Our approach combines equine education, outdoor learning and practical experiences within a calm, supportive environment where learner wellbeing and horse welfare are central to everything we do.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and deliver City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Equine programmes.
Deliver engaging practical and theory-based sessions covering horse care, stable management, nutrition, anatomy, health and welfare.
Support learners to access online lectures and apply their learning through practical activities.
Adapt teaching approaches to meet individual learning needs, including Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.
Support learners to develop vocational skills, confidence, communication and independence.
Assess learner progress and gather portfolio evidence in line with qualification and awarding-body requirements, where appropriately qualified and authorised.
Maintain accurate learner records, assessment documentation and progress tracking.
Work collaboratively with our Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) and wider educational team.
Maintain high standards of equine welfare, safeguarding, health and safety and professional practice.
Contribute to a positive, consistent and supportive learning environment.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
Qualified to Level 3 or above in Equine Studies, Equine Management or a relevant equivalent qualification.
Experienced and competent in practical equine care, management, health and welfare.
Confident delivering vocational equine education up to Level 3.
Able to plan and deliver structured, engaging and practical learning sessions.
Calm, patient, adaptable and able to build positive relationships with young people.
Understanding of the importance of supporting learners with SEND and SEMH needs.
Organised and able to maintain accurate assessment and learner progress records.
Committed to safeguarding, equine welfare and professional standards.
Able to work collaboratively within a small, supportive team.
Essential Qualifications
A recognised Level 3 equine qualification or higher, or an appropriate recognised equivalent.
Demonstrable occupational competence relevant to the equine qualifications being delivered.
An appropriate teaching or training qualification, or willingness to work towards one where permitted by the centre and awarding-body requirements.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
A recognised assessor qualification, such as CAVA, A1 or equivalent.
Experience delivering or assessing City & Guilds equine qualifications.
Experience working in further education, specialist provision or alternative education.
Experience supporting young people with SEND, SEMH, autism, ADHD or additional learning needs.
Knowledge of EHCPs and trauma-informed approaches to education.
Applicants undertaking formal assessment duties must meet the relevant City & Guilds and centre assessor requirements.
What We Offer
A supportive, values-led working environment.
Small teaching groups and opportunities for individualised learning.
A varied, practical role combining equine education and outdoor learning.
Support and guidance from our Internal Quality Assurer (IQA).
Opportunities for professional development.
The freedom to develop creative, engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives.
🛡️ Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment
The Orchard is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All staff are expected to share this commitment.
This role is subject to a safer recruitment process, including:
Enhanced DBS check and relevant barred-list checks where legally required.
Verification of identity and right to work in the UK.
Verification of relevant qualifications and professional competence.
Reference checks, including the most recent employer.
Employment history checks and explanation of any gaps.
Appropriate safeguarding and suitability screening.
We expect all staff to:
Work in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Promote the safety, wellbeing and best interests of all learners.
Demonstrate a positive, inclusive and respectful approach to young people with additional needs.
Maintain high standards of horse welfare and safe working practices.
Apply
If you are a qualified equine professional with a passion for education and supporting young people with additional needs, we would love to hear from you.
Please Apply Below