Animal Care Instructor

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

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 (4

DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4

DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #team

OFG.

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:
February 2026
UK applicants only — this role does not offer sponsorship

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.

About the Role

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 the school

Options Trent Acres School is currently undergoing development and increasing its pupils numbers transitioning from 30 pupils to 60 pupils recently and with approval to open an Early Years Unit and extend our Primary provision. Due to this exciting time for the School the job roles currently advertised are all new as part of this development.

The school is purpose built, modern and welcoming with a range of specialist learning areas including an indoor and outdoor riding school and outdoor gymnasium. Children also have the opportunity to work with our horses, donkeys, goats, alpaca and chickens. Learning outside of the classroom is a fundamental part of life at Trent Acres. We have a dedicated staff team who are focused on the delivery of high quality, child centred, bespoke packages of care and education.

Our service is in within easy reach of Stoke, Derby, Telford, Stafford, Lichfield, Burntwood, Rugeley, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, Uttoxeter and surrounding towns.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those 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 Options Autism?

We place…