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