Gardener/Groundsperson

About the role: Snowfields Academy has a fantastic opportunity for a committed and motivated Gardener/Groundsperson to join our new and collaborative team as soon as possible. This part-time position will assist the wider team with the care of the academy grounds. At busy times, the successful candidate will undertake reasonable associated site team duties ensuring the health and safety and security of a busy academy. We offer 25 days’ holiday per annum (plus bank holidays) which increases based on length of service. Applicants will need a flexible approach to working hours and duties, and may be required to cover the duties of other team members in their absence, occasionally.

Applicants need to be trustworthy, reliable, hardworking, physically fit, conscientious and be able to work independently as well as part of a team. This position is ideal for a qualified gardener. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate NVQ level 2 qualification in Horticulture as well as previous experience in maintaining a large or historical garden.

This is a permanent position offering a salary of £10,095 based on 22.2 hours per week. Please note that interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis, therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Working with us at Snowfields Academy: Snowfields Academy is a new secondary provision for students with ASD. When full we will offer 140 places across year groups 7-13 for young people who are working at or close to age related expectations. Class sizes are small with 12 in each class, supported by 2-3 teaching assistants according to need. We will offer a range of GCSEs and other qualifications for young people on a blend of academic and vocational pathways.

The academy benefits from being a brand new school with a design tailored to the students it provides for, carefully considered to make the most of both its inside and outside environments in order to enhance the learning of its students. The environment supports specialisms in horticulture and catering with a purpose designed teaching kitchen, servery and cafe, and internal and external horticulture facilities supporting our students into employment. We will work closely with local businesses to offer an outstanding range of work experience opportunities and supported internships.

At Snowfields Academy we will:

• Inspire and engage our children so they develop a lifelong love of learning, working towards the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Key Stage 3
• Deliver a quality, inclusive education so all children are able to achieve to their full potential
• Create a learning environment where barriers to learning are overcome and students feel safe and happy and are ready to learn
• Ensure that all children feel valued and celebrate their individuality and success at every opportunity
• Always work within a multi-disciplinary framework alongside families and other professionals
• Use personalised approaches to manage behaviour and reduce anxieties
• Ensure safeguarding, pastoral support and embedding British Values are at the heart of all we do
• Create a culture where staff work collaboratively as part of the wider team, sharing ideas and good practice and offering support to each other.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff.  We also have one further secondary academy in development phase, due to open in September 2021.  The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.   

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust.  This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

We strive to offer a range of benefits that all employees can take advantage of which we regularly review and add to - click here to view what you’d receive as a member of staff with Leigh Academies Trust.  

Diversity at our core: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19:  Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months.  This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments.  Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary.  If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.