THE ELMS
The Elms is a wonderful co-educational prep school situated on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border. We are nestled in the foothills of the Malvern Hills in 45 acres of rural tranquillity, in the village of Colwall, which is 10 minutes from Ledbury or Malvern.
The Elms was founded in 1614, making us the oldest prep school in England still situated on its original site. We are an IAPS boarding and day school and pride ourselves on achieving excellent results to many Public Schools, both locally and across the UK. Despite being non-selective the school achieves consistently high standards academically.
RIDING & THE FARM AT THE ELMS
The Elms is a registered Pony Club Centre, and many pupils bring their own ponies and share ponies at the school, where they help to care and look after them on a day-to-day basis. There is a strong support network to help ensure the children learn about how to care for all the ponies at the Elms and to help them gain a wide experience of riding including hacking and trail hunting. We cater for beginners to experienced riders and so we need to be able to teach a full range of abilities. Some pupils are representing The Elms through NSEA and compete at BE.
The farm was created 40 years ago by the then, headmaster. Its purpose was to provide an alternative education for some students, enhancing the rural surroundings and in keeping with the farming landscape surrounding The Elms. This concept is very much still adhered to today. We have Hereford cows, Shropshire, sheep, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, goats, poultry and two donkeys! All the children learn about the different animals within their lesson timetables, making the learning real and tangible. Issues like sustainability, food production and animal welfare are some of the topics covered.
JOB PURPOSE
Due to a restructure of the department, we are looking to appoint an Equestrian and Farm Assistant, who will work under the instruction of, and closely with, the Head of Equestrian and the Farm Manager with all aspects of the yard and farm at The Elms. The time spent in each area is likely to be approximately 70% equine and 30% farm during term time, and close to 100% farm during the school holidays. To assist with the duties required, there is the possibility of having onsite accommodation provided with the role. This can be discussed further at the interview stage.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Day to day care of the ponies and yard duties
• Supervising the children whilst they are at the stables.
• General maintenance of the stables – stuffing hay nets, poo picking, mucking out, etc.
• Taking children out on hacks, teaching some lessons and supervising the children on trail hunting trips.
• Exercising and schooling ponies when needed.
• Preparing the ponies for competitions and other events.
• Working closely with the farm manager, covering farm duties when needed.
• Moving of livestock at necessary times in the year.
• Feeding, watering, general animal welfare upkeep for all livestock.
• Field maintenance, yard tasks and preparation for equestrian events at school.
• Practical activities – driving tractors, operating machinery and supporting with general repairs.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
• An enthusiasm for riding and for coaching children.
• Hardworking, self-motivated, and flexible to the challenges of daily life.
• A team player who is willing to go above and beyond when required to.
• Having a proactive approach to tasks and willingness to step-in and support.
• Previous or current experience of horses and farm animals desirable.
• Appropriate knowledge, training, and experience to meet the requirements of the position.
• Suitable knowledge of First Aid and Health and Safety issue associated with riding. (Further training can be provided).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A good sense of humour, plenty of patience and a calm temperament.
• Being flexible and willing to work both in a team and independently.
• Able to cope in unpredictable circumstances.
• A willingness to take part in the wider life of the school would be an advantage.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to child safety.

This job description and personal specification indicates only the main duties and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended as an exhaustive list.
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be appointed subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. For any shortlisted candidates online searches will also be carried out.