Animal Care Teacher/Instructor

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job Title: Animal Care Teacher/Instructor
Location: Acorn Park School, Banham, Norwich, NR16 2HU
Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Salary: Up to £42,500.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first. That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay .

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join !

About the Role

We're looking for a creative and adaptable Teacher/Instructor to lead our care farm and deliver land based learning within our autism specialist school. This unique role blends animal care, outdoor education, and therapeutic practice to support pupils' communication, independence, emotional regulation, and life skills.

You'll teach across all Key Stages, deliver formal and semi formal curricula, and take responsibility for the daily running of our small care farm. Working closely with our Horticulture and Outdoor Learning teams, you'll help create meaningful outdoor pathways for autistic learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver autism informed teaching across all Key Stages using structured, evidence based approaches (e.g., visual systems, TEACCH, predictable routines).
• Plan and teach formal and semi formal land based learning linked to EHCP outcomes.
• Embed communication supports such as AAC, PECS, visuals, and co regulation strategies.
• Lead the care farm's daily operations, including animal husbandry, safety routines, and welfare checks.
• Create structured, engaging farm based sessions that build vocational, independence, and regulation skills.
• Maintain accurate records, risk assessments, and health & safety documentation.
• Work with Outdoor Learning and Horticulture teams to develop coherent outdoor learning pathways.
• Apply positive behaviour support and uphold safeguarding expectations.
• Support TAs/LSAs, contribute to reviews and meetings, and engage in ongoing CPD.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• QTS/QTLS or relevant Instructor experience within an education or specialist provision setting.
• Strong understanding of autism, including sensory needs, communication differences, and structured teaching.
• Experience teaching formal and/or semi-formal curricula and adapting learning for diverse learners.
• Practical experience with animal care and/or horticulture.

About Us

Acorn Park is a school for 160 pupils, who all have a primary diagnosis of Autism. We run two curriculum pathways - Formal and Semi-formal. Our Complex needs pupils are on the Semi-Formal Pathway which is highly personalised from their EHCP. We have a mixture of Day and Residential pupils as we have 8 co-located pupil's homes on our 30 Acre site in rural Norfolk. On site, we also have a large Forest School and Animal Care Farm along with play facilities, a sports hall and sensory rooms.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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 Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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.