Animal Care Instructor

Full Job Description

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

Job Title:  Animal Care Instructor
Location: Trent Acres, Kings Bromley, DE13 7HR
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Salary:     £27,693.75 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        March 2026
UK applicants only — this role does not offer sponsorship

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 #teamOFG!

About the Role

Are you passionate about animals, education, and making a real difference? At Trent Acres, part of Options Autism, we’re looking for an inspiring Animal Care Instructor to join our close-knit, dedicated team.

In this role, you’ll plan, deliver, and lead both practical and theory-based Animal Care lessons, helping pupils build skills, confidence, and independence in a nurturing, personalised environment. No two days are the same! From classroom theory to hands-on care with our animals, and even supporting offsite activities, your work will directly shape learning experiences and help pupils reach their potential — academically, emotionally, and socially.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Plan, prepare, and deliver practical and theory-based Animal Care lessons.
• Inspire pupils through active learning and hands-on experiences.
• Provide personal support to help pupils achieve their academic and emotional potential.
• Support pupils’ behaviour and wellbeing in line with the school ethos.
• Contribute to a personalised, holistic curriculum that meets the individual needs of each pupil.
• Assist across the school, including offsite activities when not instructing lessons.
• Develop and enhance the Animal Care provision, helping make learning engaging, purposeful, and fun.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about animals and education, with the ability to inspire young learners.
• Calm, patient, and compassionate, with strong interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and adaptable, ready to support pupils in a variety of learning and school settings.
• Creative and enthusiastic in delivering practical and theory-based lessons.
• Committed to the school’s nurturing ethos and dedicated to helping every pupil succeed.

About Us

Options Trent Acres School is an independent specialist school in rural Staffordshire for pupils with autism, trauma, attachment, anxiety, and other complex needs.

We provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and experience a sense of belonging. Small groups, high staff ratios, and personalised programmes support social, emotional, and academic development.

Integrated clinical care and strong family partnerships empower every pupil to build confidence, independence, and the skills to thrive in life

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.

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