We are looking for an enthusiastic curriculum gardener to join our team.
JOB PURPOSE
To maintain the school’s growing areas and support children’s learning around the principles of sustainability and understanding of growing food (from simple seed sowing to plant care).
DUTIES
The tasks below serve to indicate the range of duties involved. However, it is not an exclusive or exhaustive list and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
GARDENING
· Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding edging, bed preparation and planning
· To work with Curriculum Subject Leaders and World Caretakers to embed the curriculum-linked gardening programme from EYFS - Year 6
· To work with groups of children to demonstrate and support gardening
· To propagate and raise plant material suitable for bedding and pupil projects
· To select and order bulbs for bedding and naturalization
· To prepare and plant raised planting beds
· Liaise and nurture relationships with the local community/charities
· The pruning and thinning of shrubs
· The planting, staking and aftercare of trees
· Undertake hedge trimming and general clearance
· To ensure all equipment, machinery and buildings are secure
· Be resourceful about obtaining items needed for the garden – receive donations when possible or purchase within budget guidelines.
SEEDS AND WEEDS CLUB
· To liaise with the school office team regarding children attending after school Seeds and Weeds clubs.
Fundraising
· Liaise with School Business Manager (SBM) regarding fundraising.
· Liaise with World Caretakers and children at Seeds and Weeds regarding fundraising opportunities
· Identify and facilitate fundraising opportunities such as coordinating the selling of seeds, seedlings and excess produce or food made with produce e.g. beetroot brownies
· With the support of the SBM, apply for grants
Volunteers
· Liaise with the wider community and nurture relationships with those donating goods to the kitchen garden.
· Coordinate and support garden volunteers, help coordinate volunteer events, advertise for volunteers and respond to interest from potential volunteers.
Interventions
· Attend training to support children using horticulture as a therapeutic intervention
· Regularly run therapeutic interventions with identified pupils
In addition, the following activities will be undertaken under the direction of the Headteacher
· To support the Senior Leadership Team in the planning and implementation of projects concerning the development and enhancement of school site
· To liaise with teachers and other members of the school community concerning the development and enhancement of school site
· To provide advice and planting schemes for small landscape projects in the school grounds
OTHER INFORMATION
· The job holder needs to be aware of safety issues and perform all duties whilst adhering to safety standards.
· Reliability and good timekeeping are essential
Perks and Benefits:
· Participate in the Vivup – Cycle to work, Lifestyle Savings program
· Opportunities for professional development and training
· Flexible hours
Safeguarding Statement:
The Good Shepherd Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We ensure that all our employment practices reflect this commitment.
Location: Ashley Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1HX
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Part-Time
Salary: £25,528.00 Annually (FTE), £15,769.81 actual for 4 days per week
Closing Date: 11:59pm, 7th May 2025
Start Date: To be confirmed with successful candidate