Head of Education

About Us

The Paradise Cooperative is a Wandsworth based charity working towards a future where communities and nature thrive together. Our Paradise Learning programme delivers innovative, curriculum-linked outdoor workshops for local primary schools, set within our unique and biodiverse community garden. 

Our workshops are designed to help children connect meaningfully with the natural world and cover a wide range of curriculum subjects, including science, geography, history, English and art. 

About the Role

We are looking for a passionate and experienced teacher to lead our outdoor education programme, helping children connect with nature through high-quality curriculum-based workshops. As Head of Education, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering engaging educational experiences for children aged 4 to 11 (EYFS, KS1, and KS2). 

This is a dynamic, part-time role for a qualified teacher who is excited to combine their professional teaching expertise with the power of nature-based learning. You will lead the delivery of our Paradise Learning workshops, shape the strategic development of our education offer, and build strong relationships with schools and local stakeholders to grow our impact. 

This is a permanent role, starting on 1st September 2025. The successful candidate will need to be available two days a week – every Wednesday and Thursday term time only. Salary £14,899.34 per annum (pro rata) (£38,000 FTE. Based on 2 days/week, 39 weeks/year, term-time only). 

Role Details

Job Title: Head of Education
Start Date: 1st September 2025
Working Days: 2 days per week (every Wednesday and Thursday)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £14,899.34 per annum (pro rata) (£38,000 FTE. Based on 2 days/week, 39 weeks/year, term-time only). 

Personal Attributes

• Qualified Teacher with experience of planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate learning.
• Excellent behaviour management skills, with the ability to encourage children to take appropriate risks in a safe and supportive environment.
• Strong communicator who can inspire young people, collaborate effectively with colleagues and build trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Passionate about outdoor learning and the value of nature-based experiences, and excited to work in a community garden setting.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage resources, budgets and the administrative elements of the programme.
• Flexible and responsive educator, able to dynamically assess and manage risk, and confidently adapt session plans to meet the needs of the group or respond to changing weather conditions.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and equality in education.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Management and Delivery

• Oversee and lead the management, administration, and delivery of the Paradise Learning programme, ensuring high-quality learning experiences.
• Plan individual sessions, developing engaging, age-appropriate activities tailored to meet the needs and interests of children.
• Manage and organise resources effectively to support the delivery of workshops and activities.
• Plan and manage risks associated with programme delivery, ensuring all paperwork is regularly reviewed and kept up-to-date.
• Ensure all children’s education programmes are delivered in accordance with safeguarding, health and safety, data protection, and other relevant policies.
• Work within the programme’s budget in partnership with the Director, ensuring financial sustainability.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationships

• Design and deliver school assemblies that inspire and educate pupils within partner schools.
• Provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions for partner schools, either onsite or at school premises as required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing school contacts to encourage continued engagement and membership.
• Proactively seek and develop new leads for school memberships and one-off bookings.

3. Leadership and Management

• Task-manage an education assistant who will support the delivery of school sessions, providing guidance and oversight.
• Coordinate and oversee the administration and management of holiday clubs (direct delivery of these sessions is not required).

4. Strategic Planning and Organisational Development

• Work collaboratively with team members to develop and implement the charity’s strategic aims and educational initiatives.
• Plan and regularly review the Paradise Learning programme, ensuring alignment with the national curriculum and the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• Contribute to funding applications and monitoring reports as appropriate 

General responsibilities

1. Contribute to the continuous improvement of The Paradise Cooperative.
2. Understand and comply with all relevant policies and procedures, including but not limited to Health and Safety, Data Protection (GDPR), and Safeguarding Policies, as applicable to your role.
3. Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. Maintain awareness of the relevant protocols and work towards creating and maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and their identity and culture are respected and valued.
4. Understand and fulfil your role in safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This includes adhering to safeguarding policies and reporting procedures and participating in any necessary safeguarding training.
5. Carry out other reasonable duties as directed by the Director that support the charity’s aims. These duties will be consistent with the role’s scope and will be communicated in advance whenever possible.
6. This job description provides an outline of the key responsibilities of the role. Due to the dynamic nature of the organisation, the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties or adapt to changing circumstances, provided that such changes are within the reasonable scope of the role.