We have a fantastic opportunity for an Equine Learning Support Assistant / LSA who has experience working with vulnerable children and young people (CYP), alongside practical equine experience.Working as an Equine LSA, you will support an innovative education provision delivering alternative therapeutic education within a farm and equine-based environment.
You will support children and young people with a wide range of needs through structured and informal learning opportunities involving horses, animal care, and outdoor activity. A key part of the role is using equine work to support engagement, emotional regulation, confidence building
and relationship development.
We are looking for individuals who are confident around horses, understand safe handling, and can support young people in learning how to care for and work with equine in a calm and structured way.You will need to be resilient, as the role involves working with complex young people as well as managing the physical and practical demands of equine and outdoor work.
As a Learning Support Assistant / LSA you will provide a supportive and engaging learning experience for children and young people with diverse needs, where animals, nature, and the great outdoors are integral to the curriculum.
DUTIES
Your duties as an Equine Learning Support Assistant / LSA include:
- Supporting children and young people to engage in learning sessions, including equine based and animal-assisted activities, providing 1:1 and small group support where needed
- Supporting a wide range of needs including emotional, social, behavioural, learning and mental health needs
- Supporting and supervising safe interaction with horses, including handling, grooming, basic care routines, and where appropriate, groundwork and riding support
- Assisting young people to develop confidence, responsibility and skills through structured equine activities
- Contributing to the day-to-day care and management of horses and other animals, ensuring high standards of welfare are maintained
- Using equine work as a tool to support engagement, motivation and relationship building with young people who may be disengaged from traditional education
- Providing informal assessment of new young people and contributing to therapeutic and educational goal setting
- Supporting the preparation and delivery of structured Animal Assisted Therapy and/or learning sessions, including equine-focused sessions
- Liaising with young people, parents/carers and relevant professionals where required
- Contributing to the overall ethos and functioning of the organisation, including general
farm duties and maintenance where needed
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Experience working with vulnerable children and young people (CYP), ideally within SEND or alternative provision
- Practical, hands-on experience working with horses, including handling, care and basic management
- Confidence in supporting others (including inexperienced young people) to safely engage with horses
- Degree in a relevant field or significant equivalent experience
- Previous experience of direct client work
- Experience or interest in Animal Assisted Therapy or Equine Assisted approaches is beneficial
- Experience delivering or supporting group-based or practical learning sessions is an advantage
- Strong awareness of safeguarding and ability to maintain professional boundaries
- Ability to remain calm, consistent and practical in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment
The organisation is committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People. All roles are subject to Safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS Checks, prior to commencing employment.
TO APPLY
Complete an application form and submit via the link below.
Please mention Jobs With Animals when applying for this role.