Learning Mentor – Alternative Provision job at Reading Full Time

Stable Futures is entering an exciting new phase of growth.

A brand-new alternative provision site is being developed to support Amegreen Education’s new secondary SEN school, Juniper House. This provision will play a vital role in supporting the transition and development of new pupils joining the school, alongside our established settings at Haywards Farm and Northcroft School.

As part of this expansion, we are developing a Horticulture and Outdoor Culinary department within the new alternative provision—including polytunnels, growing spaces, and outdoor cooking facilities—designed to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect food, land, and life skills.

We are seeking an experienced and creative Horticulture & Culinary Lead to establish and lead this provision from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to shape a department that blends growing, cooking, and real-world skills, while supporting learners to re-engage with education and explore future pathways.

Stable Futures is an Alternative Provision working with children who have faced significant challenges accessing mainstream education. We support their individual learning journeys through experiential, practical, and therapeutic approaches.

Our mission is to create meaningful opportunities for children to thrive through hands-on learning, life skills, and positive experiences.

Purpose of the Role

As Horticulture & Culinary Lead, you will take overall responsibility for the leadership, development, and day-to-day running of the Horticulture and Outdoor Culinary Provision.

You will play a central role in designing and delivering a high-quality, practical curriculum that serves learners aged 5–17 across Amegreen Education settings and external referrals. This includes developing growing areas (including polytunnels), establishing outdoor cooking spaces, and creating seasonal programmes that link food production to preparation and cooking.

You will lead and support a team of learning mentors within the provision, ensuring high standards of delivery, consistency of approach, and a positive, safe learning environment.

The role also includes developing opportunities for learners to gain insight into careers in horticulture, land-based industries, and catering, supporting progression pathways and real-world skill development.

Working closely with the Centre Manager and supported by the wider leadership team, you will help embed a provision that builds confidence, independence, and engagement through practical, meaningful learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Provision Development

• Lead the day-to-day running and ongoing development of the Horticulture and Culinary Provision, supporting its growth within the new site.
• Design and develop the physical environment, including polytunnels, planting areas, and outdoor cooking spaces.
• Supervise, support, and develop a team of learning mentors, ensuring high-quality delivery and a consistent, positive team culture.
• Work closely with the Centre Manager to align the provision with whole-site priorities and contribute to strategic development.
• Develop the provision as a recognised, high-quality practical learning environment with clear progression pathways.

Planning & Delivery of Learning

• Design and deliver engaging, hands-on learning programmes focused on horticulture, food growing, and outdoor cooking.
• Develop seasonal programmes that link planting, harvesting, and cooking, creating meaningful “field to fork” learning experiences.
• Integrate life skills, PSHE, and independence into all activities.
• Adapt provision to meet the needs of learners aged 5–17, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for those with SEND.
• Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve the quality and impact of the provision.
• Develop, deliver, and adapt structured learning sessions aligned with accredited programmes (including ASDAN and AQA Unit Awards), while also working collaboratively with Amegreen Education teaching staff to support the delivery and embedding of curriculum subjects across the provision, strengthening the connection between classroom learning and practical, experiential education.

Careers & Pathways Development

• Introduce learners to potential careers in horticulture, catering, and land-based industries.
• Develop opportunities for accreditation, skills development, and work-related learning as the provision grows.
• Explore partnerships and opportunities to create real-life catering or enterprise experiences within the provision.

SEND & Behaviour Support

• Lead on effective SEND and behaviour support strategies, aligned with therapeutic approaches such as PACE and THRIVE (training provided).
• Support staff to respond consistently and empathetically to learners with a range of additional needs.
• Create a calm, structured, and nurturing learning environment that promotes engagement and wellbeing.

Health, Safety & Site Management

• Take overall responsibility for health and safety within the provision, including safe use of tools, equipment, and cooking facilities.
• Complete and oversee risk assessments for horticulture and cooking activities.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, food hygiene, and health and safety regulations.
• Oversee the safe management and maintenance of tools, equipment, and growing areas.

Partnership Working & Communication

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, Local Authorities, parents/carers, and external partners.
• Ensure provision aligns with individual learning plans and supports engagement and progression.
• Promote the provision within the wider community and contribute to its development and reputation.

Recording, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate records, including observations, progress tracking, and incident reporting.
• Contribute to reporting for schools and Local Authorities.
• Use agreed systems (e.g. Tapestry) to support monitoring and communication.

Professional Practice & Development

• Engage in reflective practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
• Work towards relevant qualifications (e.g. horticulture, food hygiene, or education-based awards) where required.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement across Stable Futures.