Biodynamic Land Manager for the Ashdown Garden School and the Emerson Campus

Ashdown Garden School, located nearby the ancient area of Ashdown Forest, is a specialist school for SEND children between the ages of 9–16 years, offering a range of practical land and craft learning activities. Ashdown Garden School is part of Ruskin Mill Trust. Established in 1984, Ruskin Mill Trust is an educational charity that operates in England, Scotland and Wales. We offer exciting outdoor learning environments, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autistic spectrum conditions and other learning differences. Our research-led method, Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, is inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris. Working with hand, head, heart and place, Ruskin Mill Trust helps individuals to re-imagine their potential. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK. Biodynamic Land Manager for the Ashdown Garden School and the Emerson Campus Full Time role 40 hours 52 weeks Salary Range: FTE £34,712 – £47,822 dependent on qualifications and experience This is an exciting opportunity offered by the new Ashdown Garden School, part of Ruskin Mill Trust for a Biodynamic Land Manager. The post holder will manage the day-to-day running of the 40- acre biodynamic site and organise appropriate work for the school children, staff and volunteers, using biodynamic principles and methodologies and integrate them into all aspects of the operation of the school and existing functions on the site. The school is aiming to open late 2025 and is based near the Emerson College site near the beautiful Ashdown Forest and the village of Forest Row. In order to ensure sufficient care of the animals you will be expected to relocate to within very close proximity of the Ashdown School site and you will be given support toward your accommodation with the expectation that you will feed the animals at the weekends. The key duties in this role will include: Managing the day-to-day running of a biodynamic land and small husbandry stock and work with the team to organise appropriate work for children at the school, staff and volunteers. A genuine interest in applying the biodynamic (BD) principles and methodologies and integrate them into all aspects of strategic planning and operation of the biodynamic land, production, product distribution and environmental issues. To give high regard for the production of vegetables and other food items, take an active part in linking the produce from the land for the school, residential/hospitality services and Trust kitchens. To maintain a good standard in Demeter quality assurance requirements and maintain certification. To ensure the health and welfare of all stock on the farm, which includes livestock breeding, rearing and finishing and also to be responsible for production of vegetables, fodder and cereal production for farm and educational use. Ensure compliance with Government legislation and maintain accurate record keeping. To support students in their understanding of animal husbandry and aid them to work towards recognised qualifications as well as review and supervise apprentice’s progress. To co-ordinate biodynamic events, open days and volunteers’ days in conjunction with appropriate staff. To deliver training in biodynamic principles for staff and members of the public. Being part of the Senior Leadership Team of Ashdown Garden School and attend regular meetings and to provide regular updates from the land. To undertake this position successfully you will have: Be a recognised Biodynamic practitioner – if not, accredited training will be provided. Desirable to have a teaching qualification L4 or above. Have experience of animal husbandry to at least a small holding level. Desirable to have management experience. Have knowledge of specialist education and ideally working with learners with learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities. Have excellent communication, organisational and resilience skills. A full driving licence with access to a vehicle. Working at the Trust is incredibly rewarding and in return, we offer competitive salaries and an auto-enrolment pension scheme with salary sacrifice options. In addition, staff receive: An in-depth induction programme to enable our new team members to experience the Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum and also opportunities for academic research including our own MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education. 33 days holidays (including bank holidays) increasing to 38 days (including bank holidays with length of service). Full detail of all our benefits can be viewed on www.rmt.org/careers.

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