(Year-Round Post)
Start Date: January 2026
Gifford Primary School is excited to announce the development of our very own school farm. We are looking for a dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic Farm Manager to lead this unique project and help create an inspiring environment where children learn through hands-on experience with animals and nature.
About the Farm
We are at the very beginning of building our small school farm. We currently have dogs and cats on site, and guinea pigs arriving shortly. Early next year, we will be introducing goats, ducks and sheep. Our aim is to create a nurturing, educational and well-managed farm area that supports our children’s learning and wellbeing.
Role Overview
The Farm Manager will take a leading role in setting up the farm and ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and safety. Working under the guidance of the Assistant Headteacher overseeing the Farm (AHT), the successful candidate will:
Initial Responsibilities:
*Source animals, housing and equipment appropriate to each species
*Establish safe, suitable enclosures and environments
*Set up the enclosures in line with the schools vision
*Support the settling-in process for all animals
Ongoing Responsibilities:
Once the farm is established, the Farm Manager will take full day-to-day responsibility for:
*Maintaining high standards of animal care and welfare
*Feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health of all animals
*Scheduling and attending veterinary appointments
*Ordering supplies, managing stock and overseeing the farm budget
*Training and supervising children to safely assist in animal care
*Leading small-group sessions with children involving the animals
*Supporting future expansion of the school farm in line with the school’s vision
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
*Has experience working with a variety of animals (farm and/or domestic)
*Understands safe animal handling and welfare standards
*Is organised, proactive and able to work independently
*Enjoys working with children and supporting their learning
*Enjoys working with animals and is aware of the benefits in a school environment
*Can communicate well with staff, pupils and external professionals
*Has the creativity and passion to help shape a new school initiative
Visits to the school are essential. To arrange a visit please contact the HR team on (020) 8845 4661 or email HR@gifford.ealing.sch.uk.
How to apply
Application forms and job descriptions can be downloaded from the school website https://www.giffordprimaryschool.co.uk/current-vacancies/.
All completed applications should be emailed to HR@gifford.ealing.sch.uk.
The school is committed to safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dbs-checking-service-guidance–2.
Please note we do not accept CVs and these will not be shortlisted.
Previous applicants need not apply.
This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. In line with KCSIE 2022 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presences.
Closing date: application forms to be submitted to the school by 9.00am Tuesday 9 December 2025
Interview date: W/C Monday 15 December 2025