Join our team! Administrator

People walking at The Acorn Centre - The Seeds of Change

Administrator – The Seeds of Change

The Seeds of Change is a busy alternative provision, offering placements for young people. Sessions last between and 75mins to a full day. More than 50 young people attend either group or 1.1 sessions each week. We are looking for a motivated cheerful person to join the team to support us with the administration surrounding facilitating the running of the centre.
Our mission: To assist the individual in the many spheres of personal development, growth and learning through the unique interaction that occurs between human and horse.
The purpose of this role is to ensure that the day to day administration of the centre. The role is varied and the post holder will need to demonstrate our culture and ethos when dealing with those that access the provision, potential new attendees and referring bodies, as well as our team of coaches.

Key duties and responsibilities

Role

To ensure the day to day support of the general admin involved in the running of a busy centre.
To accurately register attendance of young people and following up on non-attendance
Sharing and chasing information with referring bodies
Taking phone calls and handling email enquiries in a professional and courteous manner, passing on messages as appropriate.
Arranging visits
Preparing information regarding programmes and activities
Provide administrative support during meetings, including composing and distributing minutes
Support and tracking progress of young people
Provide support on creation of marketing materials including website and social media.
Record and follow up on staff training
To support the Seeds of Change clients to overcome their barriers to progressing to the next stage of their life, using the TSOC approach while delivering authentic, learner led innovative coaching to meet and exceed individuals’ objectives.

To be an inspiring, innovative and engaging coach, able to support the therapeutic development of young people, whilst also encouraging stretch and gentle challenge to achieve personal or academic goals.

Safeguarding is one of our key priorities and potential applicants should be fully aware of and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation. It is our aim to provide an environment where young people feel safe and supported and can achieve their full potential.

You will be required to occasionally travel to different sites and therefore it is essential to possess a car and a full driving license.

Core Behaviours

We are looking for someone who embodies our core values. This person will be able to demonstrate that they are a team player who is non- judgemental, accepting, empathetic, inspiring, authentic, flexible, resilient, accountable and can use their initiative. Working as part of an established team who put the needs of young people at the forefront of everything.

High levels of personal resilience, innovation and the ability to remain positive are important qualities to have. Our work is in high demand and there are many more young people with SEMH issues to require our help. Our priority is to supporting them and therefore commitment to the role and the team is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate to possess a good sound working knowledge of working outdoors and preferable with small animals and horses.

Previous experience working within the education sector is an advantage and in particular an understanding of school commissioning and the requirements of the curriculum.

Working within disengaged young people who have SEMH issues or exhibit challenging behaviour is also an advantage.

  • Proficient use of MS 365 and Google docs
  • A-level or relevant Level 3 qualifications
  • Equine knowledge
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
  • Responds to change in a positive and proactive way.
  • Relates to people of all ages and levels and can communicate authentically.
  • Commercial business awareness.
  • Respects confidentiality and working within boundaries.
  • High attention to detail
  • Knowledge and experience with social media platforms for business

Remuneration

For full details about the role, please visit the job advertisement here

Join our team! Coach

Horse and young person

Due to continued expansion, we are currently looking for a positive, enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our coaching team at our site just outside Walgrave in Northamptonshire.

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Mental Health in Education – Intervention Award

We are delighted to announce that we have won the Association of Mental Health in Education, Mental Health Intervention Award.

“This award celebrates effective and innovative interventions to support pupils experiencing mental health difficulties. The winner will evidence how they go above and beyond in meeting the needs of their pupils and how they have sustained this across two academic years.”

Mental Health in Education Awards, 2024

We are honoured to have received the award and delighted for the team to be recognised on a national level for the hard work and commitment they put in to support young people in making positive changes. It is our mission to assist the individual in the many spheres of personal development, growth and learning, through the unique interaction that occurs between human and horse.

For the last 18 years we have been supporting the young people of Northamptonshire, we are lucky to have a 17-acre purpose-built site in the heart of Northamptonshire. This beautiful and tranquil environment provides a safe place for every client ‘just to be’ even for a short while delivering Equine facilitated learning and Therapy and our unique TSoC (The Seeds of Change) approach. We support more than 50 young people a week on programmes ranging from 6 weeks to more than 2 years. Our learner leader, CBT-based person-centred approach or the TSoC approach is focused on personal development, self-awareness and growth through working with horses. Horses have the most amazing ability to create boundaries for themselves and those around them, very much a herd creature, accepting and acknowledging a natural hierarchy, yet humble, honest, willing and kind. Playful and inquisitive, affectionate yet still with the ability to be their authentic self, always giving honest and helpful feedback to those working around them.

Many of the young people referred to us have experienced and found traditional ‘Talk therapy’ challenging and may have struggled to build a therapeutic relationship with one person. Sometimes certain unconscious barriers make it impossible to form a connection with the Therapist, Professionals or even adults in general, in what can feel like a fairly sterile indoor environment. Horses can provide that ‘third person’ element in the therapeutic alliance, making it easier for many clients to more naturally connect with themselves to be able to express and begin to link with what they are feeling and experiencing at that present time. It is the task of the skilled coach to enable the client to understand what is occurring through observations and feedback, enabling the young people to become more self-aware, and confident developing a greater resilience to work through their personal challenges. The TSoC approach is focused on allowing young people to learn through experience and reflection, creating opportunities to feel and become aware of a range of emotional responses with the horse as a mentor and mediator. This allows the coach to support the young person to explore these emotions and consider related behaviours. The horse’s role within the therapeutic relationship will vary this can include reflecting the young person’s behaviour, allowing the young person to project how they are feeling, and giving them more freedom to talk openly or as a confidant and source of comfort. Coaches work to facilitate the interactions and the relationship between the young person and the horse. Encouraging reflection and in turn the ability to transfer the skills and learning to their everyday life. Every session requires the coach to be innovative to help the young person link the learning to their everyday life. The key to TSoC isn’t the escapism that being in the peace of our centre offers although this supports the young person in building the therapeutic relationship, the real value to the young person is the effect of the transferable skills have on their entire life.

The New Brand and Website

Tan-Seeds-Of-Change-Logo

We are delighted to present the new Seeds of Change website. Following Stable and Wild and The Seeds of Change KMD LTD making the decision to focus in their own regions, we have been working to roll out a full The Seeds of Change KMD (TSOCEquine) rebrand.

The Acorn Centre is important to us at the Seeds of Change as it is our home, The Acorn and  because of what every tiny new Acorn provides, so many opportunities for metaphors and signifies:

As Chaucer wrote “mighty oaks from little acorns grow” and helping the people we work with to start to sow the seeds to enable positive changes in their lives is the focus and purpose of our work here. 

The Centre continues to develop its facilities and services to be able to support many people, children, young people and adults/families to access the support they need.

Find out more about how we facilitate *Personal Development and Growth in an Equine Environment* 

Cummins Trees Planting

The Seeds Of Change tranquil environment

We wanted to thank Cummins for the hard work they have put in to help us manage the woodland here at The Acorn Centre. We have a relatively new section of woodland, Jane’s Wood, this was planted in memory of Jane Dillon,older sister to our founder Katherine Dillon,who died tragically far too young. During her short life, Jane’s love of horses helped her face many challenges and brought her much comfort. 

Not only does this serve as a living breathing memorial to Jane, but it is also a really beautiful, quiet and private space to explore difficult feelings and express emotions for all of our children, young people and adults too particularly those that have suffered bereavement. 

Walking through this space or simply taking the time to sit on a bench allows every individual who visits,  time and space to feel able to talk about their experiences, share memories and morn their loss, whilst feeling supported. 

The Seeds of Change Open Days – June 2023

The Seeds Of Change tranquil environment

This June we are opening our doors to referring bodies, families and individuals to come and have a look at what we can offer here at The Seeds of Change.

You can choose from either Tuesday 20th June or Wednesday 21st June between 3pm and 7pm to visit our 17 acre site for a tour. You will get a taste of what are doing to support the Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Resilience of the children, young people and adults in Northamptonshire, using a combination of equine facilitated learning, cognitive behavioural therapy and our own unique TSOC approach.

Some of the thing the young people say about being here:

“Being here is helping me change my behaviour at school.”

“I tend to get less angry now.”

“I like walking Sparkle (pony), because I feel calm when I am with her.”

BOOK NOW

to secure your place on one of our open days.

CONTACT US

Join our team! Coach

Coach – The Seeds of Change

Due to continued expansion, we are currently looking for a positive, enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our coaching team at our site just outside Walgrave in Northamptonshire.

The role involves delivering our programmes by supporting and developing vulnerable or challenging, disengaged young people using horses, small animals and the natural world.

Role

To support the Seeds of Change clients to overcome their barriers to progressing to the next stage of their life, using the TSOC approach while delivering authentic, learner led innovative coaching to meet and exceed individuals’ objectives.

To be an inspiring, innovative and engaging coach, able to support the therapeutic development of young people, whilst also encouraging stretch and gentle challenge to achieve personal or academic goals.

Safeguarding is one of our key priorities and potential applicants should be fully aware of and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation. It is our aim to provide an environment where young people feel safe and supported and can achieve their full potential.

Core Behaviours

We are looking for someone who embodies our core values. This person will be able to demonstrate that they are a team player who is non- judgemental, accepting, empathetic, inspiring, authentic, flexible, resilient, accountable and can use their initiative. Working as part of an established team who put the needs of young people at the forefront of everything.

High levels of personal resilience, innovation and the ability to remain positive are important qualities to have. Our work is in high demand and there are many more young people with SEMH issues to require our help. Our priority is to supporting them and therefore commitment to the role and the team is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate to possess a good sound working knowledge of working outdoors and preferable with small animals and horses.

Previous experience working within the education sector is an advantage and in particular an understanding of school commissioning and the requirements of the curriculum.

Working within disengaged young people who have SEMH issues or exhibit challenging behaviour is also an advantage.

  • Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.
  • Previous experience of handling or working with horses, small animals or outdoors
  • Counselling, youthwork or teaching qualification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
  • Responds to change in a positive and proactive way.
  • Relates to people of all ages and levels and can communicate authentically.
  • Commercial business awareness.
  • Respects confidentiality and working within boundaries.
  • Works in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
  • Good IT skills are required and as the role develops more emphasis will be on the ability to use technology. Therefore, knowledge or experience of face-to-face media (video, online workshops, facetime, and other interactive platforms) would be an advantage.

Previous experience of any of the following would also be an advantage:

  • coaching in a practical and/or classroom setting.
  • assessing accredited qualifications.
  • working with children with additional learning or behavioural needs.
  • working with vulnerable, challenging, or disengaged children.
  • supporting young people with mental health.

For full details about the role, please visit the job advertisement here

The Seeds of Change are a progressive, forward thinking organisation who are an equal opportunities employer. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience. Applicants who have Specialist mental health or educational experience may be considered at a higher hourly rate.

If you require more information about the roles or our organisation, please feel free to get in touch.

Join our team! OUTDOOR COACH, TSOC

Outdoor Coach – The Seeds of Change

Due to continued expansion, we are currently looking for a positive, enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our coaching team at our site in mid Bedfordshire as an Outdoor Therapeutic Coach .

The role involves delivering our programmes by supporting and developing vulnerable or challenging, disengaged young people using horses, small animals and the natural world. The role is based at our centre in Bedfordshire (MK45) but you may also be may required travel to our other centre in Northamptonshire (NN6)

We can be flexible with the number of weeks of work for the right candidate and these range from 38 weeks per year to a 52 week per year contract depending on the experience of the candidates to meet the needs of the business.

Role

To support the Seeds of Change clients to overcome their barriers to progressing to the next stage of their life, using the TSOC approach while delivering authentic, learner led innovative coaching to meet and exceed individuals’ objectives.

To be an inspiring, innovative and engaging coach, able to support the therapeutic development of young people, whilst also encouraging stretch and gentle challenge to achieve personal or academic goals.

Safeguarding is one of our key priorities and potential applicants should be fully aware of and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation. It is our aim to provide an environment where young people feel safe and supported and can achieve their full potential.

You will be required to occasionally travel to different sites and therefore it is essential to possess a car and a full driving license.

Core Behaviours

We are looking for someone who embodies our core values. This person will be able to demonstrate that they are a team player who is non- judgemental, accepting, empathetic, inspiring, authentic, flexible, resilient, accountable and can use their initiative. Working as part of an established team who put the needs of young people at the forefront of everything.

High levels of personal resilience, innovation and the ability to remain positive are important qualities to have. Our work is in high demand and there are many more young people with SEMH issues to require our help. Our priority is to supporting them and therefore commitment to the role and the team is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate to possess a good sound working knowledge of working outdoors and preferable with small animals and horses.

Previous experience working within the education sector is an advantage and in particular an understanding of school commissioning and the requirements of the curriculum.

Working within disengaged young people who have SEMH issues or exhibit challenging behaviour is also an advantage.

  • Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.
  • Previous experience of handling or working with horses, small animals or outdoors
  • Counselling, youthwork or teaching qualification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
  • Responds to change in a positive and proactive way.
  • Relates to people of all ages and levels and can communicate authentically.
  • Commercial business awareness.
  • Respects confidentiality and working within boundaries.
  • Works in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
  • Good IT skills are required and as the role develops more emphasis will be on the ability to use technology. Therefore, knowledge or experience of face-to-face media (video, online workshops, facetime, and other interactive platforms) would be an advantage.

Previous experience of any of the following would also be an advantage:

  • coaching in a practical and/or classroom setting.
  • assessing accredited qualifications.
  • working with children with additional learning or behavioural needs.
  • working with vulnerable, challenging, or disengaged children.
  • supporting young people with mental health.

Remuneration

For full details about the role, please visit the job advertisement here

The Seeds of Change are a progressive, forward thinking organisation who are an equal opportunities employer. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience. Applicants who have Specialist mental health or educational experience may be considered at a higher hourly rate.

Closing date 30th November 2022

For more information and to apply for this role, click here.

If you require more information about the roles or our organisation, please feel free to get in touch.