A bright and promising new day in early summer: view looking south from Wye church tower.

Westwell Parish is only a few miles from the thriving town of Ashford, yet is largely rural, comprising the village itself and extending as far as Tutt Hill to the west and Sandyhurst Lane to the east. As well as being of historic, recreational and environmental interest, the parish is a busy, thriving community with many local groups.

The Parish Council itself is forward looking and takes an active role contributing to the quality of life within the community. A vacancy for the Parish Clerk will be arising when the current Clerk leaves but it is hoped that there will be a short handover period.

The Clerk to Westwell Parish Council is also the Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer. The position is for 13 hours per week, mainly home-based. Salary is commensurate with experience within the SJC Scale for Local Government Employees.

For a copy of the present Clerk's Job Description please email: clive.bainbridge@gmail.com

You will have a good knowledge and understanding of local government and a good standard of education. Duties include:

• Arranging & attending all Parish Council meetings and the Annual Parish Meeting

• Preparation of Agendas and Minutes

• Dealing with all financial matters including production of financial statements for the Annual Audit and submitting VAT returns

• Obtaining quotations for goods and services and liaising with contractors and the public

• Ensuring Planning Applications are dealt with and comments submitted to Ashford Borough Council within deadlines

• Maintaining the Parish Council website/social media

Applicants will need to have good IT skills and have access to broadband. The successful Candidate will be expected to either possess the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or be willing to work towards gaining this qualification but the Council will give preference to candidates with current / relevant experience.

Interested applicants should send a CV and set out reasons for applying, by email, to clive.bainbridge@gmail.com.

The closing date for applications is Monday 13 March 2023, with interviews in person, on Saturday 18 March 2023.

Kent Wildlife Trust

Tyland Barn Nature Park & Gardens, Maidstone, Kent

£21,000 to £23,000 dependent on experience

(Extract - see KWT website for full job details) This post draws together a number of tasks that are crucial to the Trust's strategy for Wilder Grazing over 70% of the Nature Reserves. Kent Wildlife Trust is at the forefront of developing innovative ways of using graziers, browsers and rootlers to deliver missing ecosystem elements that were once provided by wild animals. The wilder Grazing Rangers will be supporting the delivery of many of these projects, working closely with the Area Wardens, Livestock Managers, and Evidence officers.

Job Purpose This post draws together a number of tasks that are crucial to the Trust's strategy for Wilder Grazing over 70% of the Nature Reserves. Kent Wildlife Trust is at the forefront of developing innovative ways of using graziers, browsers and rootlers to deliver missing ecosystem elements that were once provided by wild animals. The wilder Grazing Rangers will be supporting the delivery of many of these projects, working closely with the Area Wardens, Livestock Managers, and Evidence officers. This is a practical role that incorporates skills such as strimming and fence repair, alongside high quality animal welfare management and volunteer recruitment and support. Due to the nature of livestock work, some flexible hours will be needed, including weekend shifts.

Application Pack and Contact Details

If you wish to discuss this post, please contact jobs@wilderkent.org.uk to arrange a call.

For an application pack please visit our website: www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/jobs

Closing Date: Sunday 19th March 2023

Interview Date: Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March 2023

Number of jobs available: 2, based at Orchard House, Addington, West Malling

Staff: Grade 5 Post Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Part Time Term Time, Compressed Hours. Hybrid working arrangement with a mix of home and office working

Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery

Salary Minimum: £37,462

Closing Date: 08/01/2023, 23:55 hours

Job description: 'Are you looking for an opportunity to help protect and enhance our water environment? Do you enjoy working with environmental information and data, and have experience in water quality, water resources or catchment planning? As an Environment Planning Specialist, you'll be part of a team that uses data and evidence to help inform and influence integrated working and investment in environmental improvement projects. You'll work with others to ensure that our data is accurate and reliable. You'll contribute your knowledge to plans and reports, providing advice to other teams, working groups and senior managers...'

For the job pack follow the link in the heading above.

For further details or an informal chat about the role, please contact Priya Sharma priya.sharma@environment-agency.gov.uk or Philippa Taylor philippa.taylor@environment-agency.gov.uk

We are looking for Full Time, Part Time and Temporary Production Assistants for our Jam Factory in Wye, Kent. The roles are variable and will include labelling and packing of jars, gift boxing and assisting in the kitchen.

Our busiest period begins shortly as our customers order their Christmas stock. We are looking for reliable, punctual and enthusiastic people to become members of our Production Team.

Full time hours are 42.5 per week. There will be overtime available most evenings and weekends. £9.50 per hour depending on age. If you would like to join us Please email accounts@thewoodenspoon.co.uk or factory@thewoodenspoon.co.uk

Coldharbour Farm, Amage Road, Wye,

TN25 5DB

Recruitment open for police officers and staff roles.

See Kent Police website for opportunities

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with a passion for food to take on the role of making our extensive range of jams, marmalades and savoury preserves.

This will entail preparation and production of our various products under the tutelage of our Master Chef in compliance to safety and hygiene standards set by The Wooden Spoon.

A degree of physical work is required for the role, mostly in the handling of ingredients.
Working hours are 8am to 5pm, though we would appreciate some flexibility when we get really busy in the second half of the year.
We will consider part-time workers if we are able combine the hours to cover the day.
We are a small friendly local business with big aspirations!
We will offer a competitive salary based upon your experience.

Please contact Suzanne Phillips or Jeff Higgins on 01233 812251 or email

info@thewoodenspoon.co.uk

The Wooden Spoon Preserving Co Ltd
The New Oast
Amage Road
Wye TN25 5DB

Here at Palmstead Nurseries we are always on the look out for enthusiastic individuals with a passion for horticulture. If you feel you have what it takes to be part of the Palmstead team then send an email with your name, CV and a cover letter to opportunities@palmstead.co.uk. You can also see an informative snapshot of life at Palmstead by clicking here.

Palmstead Nurseries Limited, Harville Road, Wye, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5EU

Salary: £23,378 - 26,466 per annum

Contract: Permanent Full Time
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Ashford
Job Category Environment and Waste
Job Reference: REF/TP/52255/5139
Closing date: 5th June 2022

The Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership is a dynamic and innovative Conservation Partnership working within the varied and beautiful landscape of the Stour Valley, Kent Downs AONB, the Blean and Low Weald.

A rare opportunity has arisen to join our friendly and professional team. The main focus of the post is pond creation and restoration for Great Crested Newts but you should be able to provide support across a wide range of countryside and community projects. Most work on pond creation and restoration will take place in the Low Weald.

You will be self-motivated, have practical conservation skills, knowledge of nature conservation, and experience of working with local communities. Communication and project management skills, initiative and tact are also important. You should be able to balance multiple projects within time restraints. The ability to travel is essential.

Some weekend and evening working.

The Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership is one of eight countryside partnerships covering the county of Kent. As well as working in the KSCP team you will work with staff from other partnerships from time to time.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Interviews: 14th June 2022

Job description and person specification

For further information regarding this role, please contact:

Jon Shelton Tel: 03000 413797

• Employment type: Full-time
• Salary: £49,167 - £55,714
• Close date: 16th May 2022 at Midday
• Date of Interviews: 26th & 27th May 2022
• Position start date: September 2022 (or January 2023 for the right candidate)

After five years leading Brook School with courage, creativity and compassion, our current Headteacher, Chris Green is moving on. During his time with us, Chris has overseen the development of an exciting new curriculum that celebrates both the location of the school in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the size of the school that enables every member of the community to be known and nurtured.

Chris led the school through an Ofsted that recognised many good elements but ultimately produced an overall rating of Requires Improvement. His determination, hardwork and collaboration with the staff have now placed the school at a point where it is recognised by Special Advisors that the outcome of an imminent Ofsted Inspection is likely to be Good.

We are looking for a new Headteacher who recognises and is passionate about the benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC). The school is currently working towards its Silver Award. LOtC not only incorporates our Forest School and garden but encourages the teaching of curriculum lessons in the open air, trips beyond the school grounds, the recognition of the history and facilities offered by the village and the involvement of outside experts and enthusiasts coming into school. It is our wish that the person appointed will embrace this core element of the school's identity and will bring further creativity and ideas and advance the ways in which this makes Brook School unique and inspiring as a place to learn and grow.

As a small school, we are also looking for a Headteacher who is versatile, who manages and completes administrative tasks methodically and resolves everyday challenges with good humour and practicality. The role requires a person with excellent interpersonal skills, who is visible and approachable and who works well with all stakeholders as well as promoting the school to the wider community. The HT must also be an outstanding classroom teacher who is able to monitor and motivate staff as well as sometimes acting as a role model while teaching themselves.

Whilst Brook is a small, rural primary school, there is a strong established network for a new Headteacher to draw on. The Care Foundation Trust, of which Brook School is a member, was set up in 2017 to provide mutual support for a group of 10 rural primary schools. The schools not only benefit from shared ideas and resources but also from mentoring and moderation between the schools. The Trust, along with other local forums and county expertise, means that the school has the benefits of maintaining and evolving its own identity whilst also being part of a larger, supportive network.

As governors, we are well informed and involved in school life, helping to set the strategies for continuing success. We hope that you are excited by what Brook School has to offer and we look forward to meeting you.

(Extract from the full advert on Tent Teach microsite)

Brook Community Primary School
Spelders Hill
Brook
Ashford
TN25 5PB

View of the North Kent Downs from the Brook School playground, at the top of Spelders Hill, Brook

EXPERIENCE is an exciting €23million tourism project funded by the Interreg V Channel England France Programme. Kent County Council is one of 14 partners in France and England. The project will work with businesses to develop new tourism products that engage visitors in the landscape in a way that supports and enhances that landscape. EXPERIENCE will promote new experiential tourism products through tourism fairs, media and communication campaigns.

Working closely with colleagues in a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of five, part of the wider Kent Downs AONB Unit, this role will ensure the successful integrated delivery of the EXPERIENCE project. You will assist the Project Manager and project team to deliver and coordinate the EXPERIENCE project. This is an exciting and varied role and you will be involved in project development, monitoring, communication, marketing, and reporting. You will have specific responsibility for project reporting and claims and a number of discrete projects. You will be responsible for gathering and storing systematically all the financial and narrative evidence required for the EXPERIENCE project claims and audits. You will also be responsible for assisting delivery partners to adhere to EU funding requirements. You will support the Project Manager with financial monitoring, planning and budgeting.

The role will involve working closely with EXPERIENCE team members including a Project Manager, a Business and Tourism Manager, the Communications and Marketing Manager and Officer, the North Downs Way National Trail Manager and the wider Kent Downs AONB team. The EXPERIENCE project is led by Norfolk County Council and you will work closely with their staff to provide the information they need from the Kent Downs AONB Unit.

The role may involve some travel to the Compiegne Region of France and within Kent in the UK.

The EXPERIENCE project is led by the Kent Downs AONB Unit and this role is part of that wider team. It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg V Channel France England Programme, the North Downs Way National Trail, the Kent Downs AONB Unit and participating district and borough councils including Dover, Canterbury, Ashford, Gravesham, Swale and Kent County Council.

Contact Details: For further information regarding this role, please contact:

Makala Thomas makala.Thomas@kentdowns.org.uk 07446 625930

Salary £26,598 - £30,333 per annum

Contract Type Fixed Term Full Time

Contract Duration 12 months

Working Hours 37 Hours per week

Location Kent Downs AONB, West Barn, Penstock Hall Farm, Canterbury Road, East Brabourne, Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom

Job Category Project Management

Job Reference REF/TP/6135/4867 APPLY HERE

Closing Date 01 May, 2022

• Kent Teach Ref: KCC886-2279-59T
• Posted: 21/04/2022
• Pay: Brook MPS
• Start Date: September 2022
• App Close Date: 13/05/2022 at 15:00
• Interviews: Wednesday 18th May 2022

We are looking for a brilliant teacher to teach our Year 3/4 mixed age class in September. This is a permanent full time position. However, for the right candidate we would consider a 4 day-a-week flexible teaching post.

Learning Outside the Classroom underpins our curriculum, we believe children learn best when not confined by 4 walls. We are ambitious with our curriculum, going beyond the National Curriculum. More information regarding Learning Outside the Classroom can be found at: lotc.org.uk

You must be prepared to work both indoors and outdoors in order to support learners in a range of environments, even on cold days as we make use of our surroundings - which include our forest school. You should understand that working in a small school often means going the extra mile without being asked, because it benefits the whole community - especially the pupils.

(Extract from the full advert on Tent Teach)

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

Please contact the school office on 01233 812614 or email office@brook-ashford.kent.sch.uk to arrange a visit.

Spelders Hill
Brook
Ashford
TN25 5PB

Individuals' Grants Officer: 3-days per week

This exciting new role requires someone with administrative experience and strong organisational and people skills to support the work of our grants team. The Individuals' Grants Officer will manage grants made to individuals; developing relationships with the nominating organisations, managing the pipeline of applications, assessing funding requests, promoting the funds, and reporting on their impact.

Accuracy, attentional to detail and systematic working is needed to manage the workload efficiently. This role requires all applications to be managed via our database, so confidence using IT is essential. You will be dealing with indirectly and directly with people in need so the ability to communicate sensitivity and to be approachable is also very important.

If you feel your skills and experience fit this role and you want to work for an organisation making a real difference to the lives of people in Kent, please complete the application form and send to admin@kentcf.org.uk.

If you wish to discuss any accessibility concerns or if you need any more information or assistance, please contact our Director of Grants and Impact, Natalie Smith on natalie@kentcf.org.uk.

To apply complete the application form and send to admin@kentcf.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is 22nd April 2022.

Job Description

Application form

Kent Community Foundation
Evegate Park Barn,
Evegate Business Park
Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX

Finance and Office Administrator: Full time position

We are looking for an experienced administrator to join our team who is confident working with numbers, is highly organised and seeking a role that makes a real difference. This position is key to Kent Community Foundation's core business and you would be an integral part of getting much needed grants to worthy causes all over Kent. Finance duties include checking our bank accounts each day, logging incoming donations, preparing and processing payment files and overseeing timely delivery of grants and invoices. Office duties involve ordering stationery, kitchen supplies, managing office contracts, reception duties and providing some governance support to the Chief Executive and Company Secretary.

This is a full-time position based at our offices in Smeeth near Ashford but flexible working options can be discussed.

Applications should be in the form of a completed application form, sent to sarah@kentcf.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 19th April 2022.

If you wish to discuss any accessibility concerns or if you need any more information or assistance, please contact Sarah Osborne via the email address above.

Job Description

Application Form

Kent Community Foundation
Evegate Park Barn,
Evegate Business Park
Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX

Salary: SCP 26 - 30 FTE (£30,451 - £33,782) Hours: 28 per week

Location: Parish office, High Street, Sturry, Canterbury

Closing date: 18/03/2022

Sturry Parish Council is seeking a clerk, to include duties of the Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer. The post is part-time 28 hours per week, flexible hours to work from the parish office in Sturry High Street.

The parish clerk is responsible for the management of three other part-time members of staff and for all council administration including legal obligations, council policies, financial controls and services. Services provided by the council include a cemetery, recreation ground, small SSSI and other open spaces, playground, one or two public events per year, toilets, office and minibus hire. Assistance with project and event management will be required. The council, currently, has an annual budget of approximately £112.000.

Significant new development is planned for the parish and the clerk will be expected to liaise with the Local Planning Authority as necessary. It is anticipated that the integration and consolidation of new communities will be an important aspect of the council's role in future and that the clerk's hours may need to be permanently increased as the number of residents and the budget rises.

The clerk must be able to communicate and effectively engage with organisations and individuals from all sectors and backgrounds in order to represent the council and serve the best interests of our community. The clerk must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able, in all situations, to seek the most positive all-round outcome for the parish.

This post is an excellent opportunity for someone with the right personal and professional skills to embark on a fulfilling role in helping shape the future of the parish. Part of this role will be to ensure that the councillors are well informed, engaged and supported in their efforts to serve our existing and future communities.

For further information and application form contact clerk@sturryparishcouncil.co.uk or call 07788 568432.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA THE KENT TEACH PORTAL

Teaching Assistant - Early Years - Permanent (Term Time + INSET days)

We welcome an inspirational Early Years TA to join our wonderful EYFS team, with a desire to inspire awe and wonder in learning, through a rich curriculum led by the head, heart and hand.

We are searching for a strong practitioner, with a child centred approach, scaffolding their next steps to enable independence, resilience, collaboration, curiosity and compassion in line with our school values.

A love of early reading, fabulous phonics and early concept maths is a must along with knowledge of the Early Years framework and of course a sense of humour!

Your numeracy and literacy skills will be strong enough to improve children's standards. You will be able to communicate effectively with children and adults, have a flexible attitude, good sense of humour and be friendly and approachable. Good time management and the ability to work using your own initiative are essential. All applications will be considered and all relevant training will be given to the right candidate.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting groups of children in achieving the lesson objective in English, Maths and across all areas of the curriculum.
• Leading groups of children or 1:1 intervention programmes.
• Feeding back to the class teacher, sometimes keeping records of progress and behaviour.
• Working with children to support any social, emotional, behavioural, personal care or medical needs.

Above all you need to like children, to want the very best for them and be prepared to put their needs first. Children will be at the heart of your work. You must be able to demonstrate that you understand the importance of educating the whole child.

We particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority, as they are under-represented within our school workforce.

For full details, please visit the Kent-Teach website following the link below:-

Early Years Teaching Assistant Post

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA THE KENT-TEACH PORTAL

Closing Date: 23rd March 2022

Interview Date: 29th March 2022

SUPPORT STAFF Teaching Assistant (Fixed Term)

KR3 £18,425 (pro rata - 31.25 hrs per week) Term Time Only (38 weeks per annum)

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated Teaching Assistant to join our talented and supportive team. You should be a positive and enthusiastic person who loves working with children and helping them to strive for their best.

Your numeracy and literacy skills will be strong enough to improve children's standards. You will be able to communicate effectively with children and adults, have a flexible attitude, good sense of humour and be friendly and approachable. Good time management and the ability to work using your own initiative are essential. All applications will be considered and all relevant training will be given to the right candidate.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting groups of children in achieving the lesson objective in English, Maths and across all areas of the curriculum.
• Leading groups of children or 1:1 intervention programmes.
• Feeding back to the class teacher, sometimes keeping records of progress and behaviour.
• Working with children to support any social, emotional, behavioural, personal care or medical needs.

Above all you need to like children, to want the very best for them and be prepared to put their needs first. Children will be at the heart of your work. You must be able to demonstrate that you understand the importance of educating the whole child.

Closing Date: 11th March 2022 at noon

Interview Date: TBC

For full details please visit the Kent Teach website following the link below:-

Teaching Asst post - Kent Teach

Casual Temporary – 3 month temporary contract, subject to review

25 hours per week. (With any additional hours worked (up to 37 per week), paid at either the standard rate or given as time off in lieu, including fifteen minutes paid break per day.

Salary £9.50 per hour (in line with the current Living Wage Foundation (out of London rate) with an annual review in November), payable monthly in arrears by BACS, and a statutory workplace pension.

Wye Parish Council seeks a temporary Village Caretaker Assistant for a variety of seasonal outdoor tasks around Wye this autumn. The seasonal tasks may include:

• Leaf and litter clearance around Wye village, including the public open spaces: the Recreation Ground, Churchfield Green, parish allotments and burial ground;

• Open spaces, street scene and churchyard maintenance work with power tools;

• Daily safety checks around the children's playground equipment, the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and the Jungle Adventure Play Area.

This temporary post will suit someone who takes a pride in the appearance of Wye and wants to keep the village as a safe, clean and attractive place for residents and visitors alike.

The Village Caretaker Assistant must be able to organise his / her own work patterns from day-to- day in response to changing needs and weather conditions, be practical, flexible and energetic, enjoy working out of doors, and have a mechanical aptitude. Training and protective clothing will be provided. Applicants should have a current, clean driving licence.

TO APPLY

Request an application from: clerk@wyeparishcouncil.gov.uk

Please complete and return this form by 12.00 noon Monday 18th October 2021

To keep the selection process fair, open and transparent for all candidates, CVs will not be accepted, and you must not canvass councillors or Parish Council employees to gain employment. Any attempt to influence the decision in your favour will disqualify your application.

To see the archive of jobs 2016 -2020 listed here previously, please click on the blue bar above.