Primary Teacher

About the job

Have you been frustrated by an educational system that disregards the needs of children as learners or under-values the importance of learner-interest? Are you feeling like your time is spent ‘managing behaviour’ more than supporting meaningful learning and true wellbeing? This opportunity presents a chance to bring the joy back to ‘the day job’, and to keep the evenings and weekends sacred!

Company Description Cultivate Micro School is a small, empathic learning community (in the process of registering as an independent school) where children aged 6–14 grow creative, curious, and confident through collaborative, hands-on projects in the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside. Rooted in leading research from anthropology, neuroscience and psychology, the school empowers students to be active participants in their education and daily decision-making. Learning is playful and project-based, with mixed-age groups and a strong whole-child focus that integrates nonviolent communication, mindfulness, and embodied movement. Time in nature is central, with regular learning at local sites, complemented by thoughtful, smartphone-free use of technology. We're working towards a sociocratic, inclusive culture ensures every voice is heard, fostering genuine community, wellbeing, and autonomy for children, families, and staff.

Role Description In the role of a Coach (Teaching Assistant) you will facilitate mixed-age, hands-on learning experiences that integrate academic skills with real-world projects. This part-time, on-site role is based in Ivinghoe, and involves supporting experienced Coaches/Teachers in designing and adapting project-based lessons in tandem with the children, guiding learners in planning and executing their projects, and supporting social-emotional development through nonviolent communication and reflective practices.

As coach you will collaborate with colleagues and students to co-create a responsive learning environment, participate in sociocratic decision-making, and incorporate engaging project-based learning into daily routines. Responsibilities also include observing and documenting student progress, maintaining clear communication with families, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom and outdoor setting.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in child psychology, teaching, learning and/or facilitating play.
• Experience in project-based, SEN or experiential learning approaches.
• Ability to design and adapt projects to support mixed-age groups and diverse learning needs - reggio-inspired approaches particularly appreciated.
• Excellent Communication skills, including active listening, empathic communication and clear, respectful dialogue with children and adults - nonviolent communication qualification and practice would be a substantial benefit, but training will be provided (free of charge) as part of our recruitment process
• Experience in training or mentoring learners, encouraging autonomy, collaboration, and reflective practice.
• Expertise in mathematics and/or science; experience in alternative, project-based learning or home educating (in particular, unschooling) a plus.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying seasons and integrating nature into learning activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, and non-discriminatory practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small team and engage in shared, sociocratic decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with the writings of Peter Gray, John Holt, Jean Piaget, and Alfie Kohn, would be helpful.

We'd like to hear from people with availability initially one day a week on Monday, 45 weeks a year, from 8.30am-4.30pm (this includes 30-40-minutes of room set-up each week, including moving tables, chairs, rugs and furniture).

For those who are interested, this could extend across 3 or 4 days a week in future.

We are applying to register as an Independent School to extend our hours to 5 days a week, 45 weeks a year, and anticipating this extension in our operations some time between January and April.

Pay: From £200.00 per day

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Free parking

Application question(s):

• Have you engaged in progressive or alternative educational approaches (in particular project-based, reggio emilia and montessori) in practice with children for at least a year?

Experience:

• working with primary age children: 4 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person