Abbey Court School is looking to appoint a Farm Manager

  • Medway Scale, Grade C2 
  • £22,571 – £30,095 
  • 37 hours per week – including some weekend working 
  • 52 weeks per year – working days/times to be agreed 
  • 25 days annual leave 

Larkin Farm is a new purpose built facility located at Abbey Court School. It occupies 8 acres behind the school building and is home to sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, rabbits and chicken. The farm is used to enrich the experiences of the children and is an aid to their learning. This is an exciting position. The Farm Manager will support the school education staff by maintaining and developing the provision to ensure its use to the maximum benefit of the children. 

The postholder will maintain responsibility for the welfare of the farm animals whilst working closely with teaching staff as they develop and deliver an education to students in animal husbandry and horticulture. 

The postholder will be responsible for managing a small team of staff who look after the farm animals. The Farm Manager position would suit those with relevant qualifications and experience of working with animals and managing people. 

Experience of working with horses would be desirable. 

Abbey Court caters for pupils aged 3-19 with Severe Learning Difficulties, and is currently located on 2 Strood sites; Cliffe Road (Nursery & Primary) and Rede Court Road (Secondary & Further Education). 

The farm is situated at the primary site in Cliffe Road. 

Comprehensive training and induction will be provided. 

Due to the conditions and complex needs of the pupils at Abbey Court School, continuity and consistency of support is paramount and therefore candidates for all positions will need to commit to the full working hours of the post. 

We are fully committed to safeguarding and protecting the children at Abbey Court School. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal records and barring check, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks. Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practices across the school. On joining you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice, and safeguard our children and young people. 

Please apply via Jobs Go Public website. 

Visits to the school, prior to interview, are welcome. 

Closing date: Thursday, 20 October 2022

Interview date: Tuesday, 1 November 2022

Please note CVs will only be accepted if sent together with a fully completed application form.

“An outstanding school”

(3 successive inspections – Ofsted July 2010, October 2012 & September 2017)