Animal Care and Education Coordinator

Kids Planet is an independent, family run group of nurseries providing the highest standard of nursery care across the UK.

Job Description

Role: Animal Care and Education Coordinator
Location: Neston Farm
Reports to: Nursery Manager

Purpose of the Role
To oversee the care, welfare, and enrichment of the nursery's animals, while developing and delivering engaging educational experiences that connect young children with nature, farming, and animal life. This role ensures high standards of animal care and safety, and helps embed animal care into the early years curriculum.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care
• Ensure the daily care, feeding, health, and welfare of all animals on site.
• Maintain clean, safe, and enriching environments for a variety of species (e.g., small mammals, poultry, pigs, etc.).
• Monitor animal health and behaviour, liaising with veterinary professionals as needed.
• Maintain accurate records relating to feeding, health checks, and compliance with animal welfare regulations.

Education & Curriculum Support
• Design and deliver interactive, age-appropriate activities that involve animal care and farming themes, aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
• Support nursery practitioners by embedding animal-based learning into daily routines and planned activities.
• Create engaging resources (stories, sensory activities, seasonal events) to help children understand animal life cycles, habitats, and care)

Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all animal areas are risk-assessed and maintained to meet health and safety standards.
• Train staff and support children in safe, respectful interactions with animals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant animal welfare legislation and licensing requirements.

Community & Enrichment
• Support family engagement by organising farm-based workshops, open days, and parent-child animal care sessions.
• Work with local organisations, farms, and suppliers to enhance the educational offering.
• Promote the nursery's ethos of sustainability, respect for living things, and connection to the natural world.

Person Specification
Essential:
• Experience in animal husbandry (farm, smallholding, or educational setting).
• Knowledge of animal welfare legislation and best practice.
• Enthusiasm for working with young children and an understanding of early years development.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a busy, child-centred environment.

Desirable:
• Qualification in Animal Care, Early Years Education, or Environmental Studies.
• Experience delivering educational sessions or workshops for children.
• First aid training (including paediatric and animal first aid).

Working Hours & Conditions
• Part Time- 20 hours
• Outdoor working environment with exposure to varied weather conditions.
• Some lifting, cleaning, and manual work required

Kids Planet is committed to equal opportunities for all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our staff and children. Applications are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships