Curriculum Lead – Farm based Secondary Therapeutic education
Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
Surrey
- Expired
- Salary:
- £41,333 - £44,870 a year
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 23 February 2025
Job overview
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Full job description
Location: Shamley Green, West Horsley, or Liss
Reports to: Head of Education & Learning
Contract: Full-time, Term-Time (41 weeks)
About Elysian
Elysian provides a unique and therapeutic approach to education, integrating Animal-Assisted Learning, outdoor learning, and creative curriculum design to support young people with diverse needs, including anxiety, ASD, ADHD, and other social, emotional, and mental health challenges. We work holistically, ensuring that education is engaging, accessible, and tailored to each learner.
Role Overview
The Curriculum Implementation Lead will be a key member of the leadership team at their designated site, working closely with the Leadership and staff team to ensure the effective delivery of the curriculum. This role will focus on embedding a high-quality, structured, and engaging curriculum across the provision, ensuring consistency and creativity while meeting individual learning needs.
This role is not purely classroom-based—it involves on-the-ground work supporting and guiding all staff, ensuring that education is being delivered effectively through our therapeutic and outdoor learning model. The role is hands-on, requiring strong leadership, curriculum development expertise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum Implementation & Development
- Ensure that the Elysian curriculum is effectively embedded across all learning activities, incorporating academic, therapeutic, and practical approaches.
- Work with the whole team to integrate animal-assisted learning and outdoor education into lesson plans.
- Lead on the planning, delivery, and assessment of the curriculum, ensuring it meets the needs of students while remaining engaging and relevant.
- Support the Head of Education in ensuring that Elysian’s curriculum aligns with and exceeds regulatory standards expectations, accreditation standards, and local authority frameworks.
- Maintain consistency and progression across learning experiences, supporting teachers in implementing effective differentiation and individualised learning.
Quality Assurance & Staff Development
- Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the education team, ensuring best practice in teaching and learning.
- Mentor and coach staff, to enhance their understanding of the curriculum and improve their ability to deliver engaging lessons.
- Conduct regular observations and learning walks, offering constructive feedback to drive improvements in teaching and learning.
- Identify areas where additional training or CPD opportunities are needed and work with leadership to facilitate staff development.
- Support new staff induction regarding the Elysian curriculum, ensuring all educators understand and deliver learning in line with our therapeutic approach.
Student Progress & Assessment
- Oversee assessment processes, ensuring that learning outcomes are effectively tracked and reviewed to measure student progress.
- Work with the wider team and relevant professionals to set individual learning goals, aligning them with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) and therapeutic aims.
- Ensure that learner engagement and participation remain high, adjusting approaches where needed to meet diverse learning needs.
- Lead on curriculum-focused interventions, supporting students who are struggling with their engagement or attainment.
Leadership & Site Collaboration
- Work closely with the Deputy Heads and Heads of Education to ensure smooth operational running of the education programme.
- Attend leadership meetings, contributing to strategic planning and development.
- Be a visible, hands-on leader, providing guidance to staff in implementing effective and creative teaching approaches.
- Support wider organisational initiatives, including training, outreach, and parent engagement.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
- Experience in curriculum implementation, middle or senior leadership, or curriculum coordination.
- A solid understanding of SEND, SEMH, and therapeutic education approaches.
- Experience working in alternative, specialist, or trauma-informed education settings.
- Strong knowledge of curriculum design, assessment strategies, and differentiated learning approaches.
- Ability to lead and mentor staff, inspiring confidence and improving teaching practice.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to work effectively with all roles and disciplinaries.
Desirable
- Experience in Animal-Assisted Learning or outdoor education.
- Background in trauma-informed practice, PACE, or other therapeutic educational models.
- Experience working with accreditation frameworks and alternative qualifications.
Why Join Elysian?
- Be part of a unique, nurturing, and forward-thinking education provision that puts students' well-being and engagement at the centre.
- Work alongside passionate professionals in a multi-disciplinary team that integrates education, therapy, and outdoor learning.
- Contribute to exciting curriculum innovations, shaping the future of education for children with additional needs.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and leadership progression.
- Work in an outdoor, therapeutic farm-based setting, where learning is immersive and hands-on.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience, skills, and why you are interested in this role.
We shortlist applications weekly, so early applications are encouraged. Please ensure your CV includes full employment history and qualifications.
Safeguarding Statement
Elysian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safeguarding vetting.
For more information about the organisation, visit: www.elysianuk.org
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £41,333.00-£44,870.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Guildford (Surrey): reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Education:
- Bachelor's (preferred)
Experience:
- SEN Education Senior: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Drivers licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 23/02/2025
About Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
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- Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
- Westland Farm, Lordshill Common, Shamley Green, Guildford
- Surrey
- GU5 0TL
- United Kingdom
Elysian is a pioneering Independent Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Therapeutic services provider, offering a holistic, nurturing, and innovative approach to supporting children, young people, and adults with a wide range of needs. Our farm-based provisions integrate education, therapy, alternative provision, and animal-assisted interventions (AAI) to create an engaging, supportive, and impactful environment for learning, growth, and development.
Who We Are
At Elysian, we believe in creating opportunities for every individual to thrive, particularly those who have struggled in mainstream settings due to anxiety, ASD, ADHD, school phobia, trauma, social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, and other developmental difficulties.
Our provisions are registered Independent Secondary SEN Schools, with a focus on specialist, therapeutic, and outdoor learningapproaches tailored to individual needs. We provide full-time education placements for ages 11-17, alongside therapeutic programmes, alternative provision, and outreach services.
We operate across multiple sites in Surrey and Hampshire, each offering education, therapy, and farm-based learning experiences:
- Shamley Green (Westland Farm, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
- Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17
- Specialising in alternative learning environments, therapeutic education, and animal-assisted learning
- Offers full-time and part-time educational placements, alongside outreach and therapy programmes
- West Horsley (Hillside, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
- Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17
- Focuses on individualised learning, core curriculum subjects, and therapeutic interventions
- Includes animal-assisted therapy, outdoor education, and vocational learning opportunities
- Liss (Janche Stables, Hampshire) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
- Registered for up to 45 pupils aged 11-17
- Provides a flexible, structured curriculum combined with therapy and alternative learning pathways
- Focuses on transition support, employability skills, and personal development
- Froxfield (Staple Ash Farm, Hampshire) – A developing AP provision
- Supports education, outreach, training, and community engagement
- Expanding to enhance therapeutic learning and vocational opportunities
What We Do
Elysian provides a wide range of education and therapeutic services, ensuring that young people receive the individualised support they need to succeed. Our core services include:
- Independent SEN Education (Registered Schools)
- Full-time and part-time education placements for young people aged 11-17
- A broad and engaging curriculum, integrating core subjects, vocational learning, and outdoor education
- Small group and 1:1 teaching approaches tailored to each learner’s needs
- A multi-disciplinary team including teachers, therapists, and intervention specialists
- Alternative Provision & Outreach
- Blended learning packages and flexible educational programmes for learners unable to access mainstream schooling
- Outreach support across Surrey and Hampshire, working with local authorities and commissioning partners
- Therapy & Therapeutic Programmes
- On-site Occupational Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Play Therapy, and Counselling
- Therapeutic group sessions, intervention programmes, and 1:1 support
- A strong focus on emotional regulation, confidence-building, and social skills development
- Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)
- Working with horses, dogs, reptiles, and small animals to facilitate therapeutic and educational engagement
- Supporting young people with anxiety, trauma, and social-emotional difficulties through structured activities
- Further and Adult Education
- Professional training and qualifications in animal-assisted interventions, SEND education, and trauma-informed approaches
- Events, Training, and Community Engagement
- Regular workshops, CPD training, and networking opportunities
- School visits, open days, and community projects
Our Team & Ethos
At Elysian, we value passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to support young people. Our team includes:
- Teachers and education staff who bring creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to making learning meaningful for every child.
- Therapists and intervention specialists who use innovative, evidence-based methods to support emotional well-being and personal growth.
- Equine and animal specialists who facilitate therapeutic and educational interactions with our animals.
- Operational and support staff who ensure the smooth running of our provisions and help maintain a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment.
All of our staff work within a trauma-informed, child-centred framework, recognising that relationships, trust, and consistency are key to learning and development. We embrace a non-traditional, flexible approach, ensuring that young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to progress in their education and personal growth.
Why Work With Us?
Joining Elysian means becoming part of an innovative, dynamic, and passionate team that is changing lives every day. We offer:
- A unique and rewarding work environment – Our farm-based and outdoor learning settings create a positive and engaging space to work.
- Professional development and training – We provide ongoing training in trauma-informed practice, SEND education, animal-assisted interventions, and therapeutic approaches.
- Opportunities for career progression – As Elysian continues to grow, we are committed to developing and promoting staff into leadership and specialist roles.
- A strong, supportive team culture – We value teamwork, creativity, and a shared commitment to supporting young people in achieving their full potential.
Join Our Team
We are always looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our team in a range of roles. Due to expansion we are frequently recruiting a wide range of roles, including:
- Teachers & Education Leaders (QTS & non-QTS roles available)
- Therapeutic & Support Staff (Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, and Intervention Specialists)
- Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialists (Equine Leads, Farm Workers, and Animal Therapists)
- Strategic Leadership & Operations (Deputy Heads, Managers)
- Communications & Business Development (Marketing, Events, and Outreach roles)
For more information about us:
🌍 www.elysianuk.org/work-with-us/
For recruitment enquiries, email:
📧 recruit@elysianuk.org
For training and development opportunities, visit:
🌍 www.elysiandevelopment.org
📧 courses@elysianuk.org
We look forward to welcoming like-minded, passionate professionals to Elysian – a place where education, therapy, and nature come together to create transformative learning experiences for young people.
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