Teacher of Outdoor Work

Baking, weaving, honey-making, vegetable growing, farming, fencing, hedge-laying, animal husbandry, building, blacksmithing, crafting, learning, teaching, these are just a few of the things you can expect to be involved in as a Teacher of Outdoor Work here at Bedales. 

Specifically, we are looking for an excellent vegetable grower, baker and cook. Someone who has the ability to inspire young people about food, where it comes from, and how we can live with the land. It will give you the opportunity to change how we, as one of the UK’s most progressive schools, looks at food and growing in an educational context. You’ll be given creativity, freedom and support to turn your vision into a reality, as a key member of the department. 

It is an exhilarating time here at Bedales. We are about to embark on a new ten-year strategic vision, and the environment is one of the key components. Outdoor Work is a cornerstone of our heritage, exemplifying the school’s moto of ‘work of each for weal of all’. If you’d like to put your skills and enthusiasm to work in this kind of place, we’d be very happy to hear from you.  

Experience and background

Ideally, you’ll have a teaching qualification, but we are willing to consider outstanding candidates with significant teaching experience. The most important thing is that you can inspire and encourage young people in the areas of food, growing and sustainability and deliver first rate lessons. A teaching degree is desirable but not essential. Your attitude is the most important thing. You’ll be excited by challenge, and keen to share your enthusiasm for food, growing and sustainability. You’ll know how to get through to teenagers and be keen to play a full and inclusive role in the life of our boarding community.

You must be an excellent baker; you’ll be making bread two or three times a week, including one early morning bread bake.

You’ll know how to run and manage a kitchen garden and be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. 

You’ll have some experience of sustainable practices and be able to contribute to discussions about how we, as a school, can improve. 

Part of the role is to work with the farm team on our small farm (approx. 50 acres). It’s a busy place and you’ll have to be willing to work hard and get involved. As the role involves working across a range of diverse areas, a genuine interest and desire to learn new and varied things is essential. As is the ability to work as part of a team or by yourself.

Early application is advised as Bedales reserve the right to make an appointment at any stage of the advertising period. 

Timetable

• This is a full-time post and you will be timetabled to teach 32 lessons a week. 
• This post is Regulated Activity.

Benefits

• Choice of Teachers Pension Scheme or personal APTIS pension with additional remuneration benefits
• Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
• Salary Extras Benefits Platform
• Lifeworks Employee Assistance Programme
• Free meals provided during term time
• Free on-site parking 
• Fee Remission for eligible staff 
• Accommodation (subject to availability) 
• On-site nursery (subject to availability)
• Gymnasium & swimming pool

How to Apply:

For further details on how to apply, please visit the recruitment portal on the Bedales Schools website via the Apply button.

CVs cannot be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application form.

Closing date: 9.00am, Wednesday 31st August 2022

Interview date: Interviews will be held on a rolling basis as applications are received, early application is therefore advised. 

Pre-Appointment Checks:

All candidates will undergo a Safeguarding Suitability Interview and application for an Enhanced DBS and Barred List check and be asked to provide evidence they are eligible to work in the UK, on an ongoing basis, at the shortlist stage of the selection process.

Safeguarding Statement:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Prohibition from Teaching Checks, and Prohibition from Management Checks.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Fostering a culture of openness, safety, equality and protection

Providing a safe and welcoming environment where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to

Playing a key role in the prevention of harm and an equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may indicate a child is at risk of harm

When concerned about the welfare of a pupil, acting in the best interests of the pupil

All staff have a key role to play in identifying concerns early and in providing help for children and are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job candidates to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.