Awen Learning Facilitator (Full Time)

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Location: Barry / Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

Hours: Full time, in-person

Holidays: 6 weeks paid holiday per year

Contract Type: Permanent (14-week probation period)

Start Date: 5th September 2025

Who We Are

The Awen Project is a democratic learning community based in nature in The Vale of Glamorgan.

We currently welcome tribe members aged 11–16, creating space for young people to explore self-directed learning in a nurturing, inclusive, and creative environment.

Our four guiding pillars are:

Democracy: All members have an equal say in decision-making.

Accessibility: Education at Awen is free and inclusive.

Learning in Nature: We coexist with and learn from our natural environment.

Creativity: We value process over product and innovation over conformity.

Watch our short film to hear directly from the young people

And here we are talking about the type of person we would love to join us

Key Responsibilities

Education & Facilitation

* Co-design and deliver engaging educational offerings based on learners’ interests and goals

* Facilitate self-directed, project-based and academic learning, including support in core subjects

* Help young people reflect on their learning journeys and track their progress meaningfully

* Prepare and maintain a weekly timetable collaboratively with other facilitators

Democratic Practice

* Co-facilitate “The Gathering” – our democratic decision-making forum

* Model and champion democratic values and collaborative conflict resolution

Safety & Wellbeing

* Uphold and promote safeguarding, H\&S policies, and maintain incident and risk logs

* Register daily attendance and ensure a safe site with regular student-led audits

* Respond to day-to-day issues with calm, creativity, and compassion (“firefighting” with grace)

Community & Families

* Maintain strong communication with parents and guardians

* Participate in community events such as open days, parent evenings, and training

* Support tribe recruitment and outreach in the wider community

Nature & Land

* Collaborate with young people to develop, maintain, and care for our woodland/natural space

* Encourage learning through nature and nurture connection to the environment

Professional Practice

* Attend staff meetings, planning days, and training as part of professional development

* Embrace a flexible culture that includes volunteer contributions and reflective practice

* Serve as an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion representative within the team to ensure we are an

* inclusive and representative community.

Impact

• Collect important progress data and collate reports to evidence outcomes

• Monitor and evaluate projects with the Tribe to track things like learning outcomes, budgets,

• feasibility

Person Specification

Essential

* Experience working creatively with young people aged 11–16

* Calm, kind, open-minded, and generous in character

* Passionate about democratic education and reimagining learning

* Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons

* Able to manage risk thoughtfully and encourage safe exploration

* Creative, curious, and willing to learn alongside others

* Strong communication and relational skills

* Able to safely hold space and de-escalate emotional or social challenges

* A reflective, collaborative team player

Desirable

* Experience with or interest in: music, art, languages, sport, or other passions

* Understanding of trauma-informed practice

* Experience working in community or nature-based projects

* Ability to facilitate learning in maths, science, or other key subject areas

* A Welsh speaker or learner (not essential)

* A sense of humour and love for nature and animals

* Multiple interests and a flexible, multi-skilled approach

Who this role is NOT for

We are committed to equity, kindness and deep listening. This role will not suit someone who:

* Is authoritarian, passive-aggressive, or unable to adapt to learner-led education

* Lacks patience, humour, or empathy for neurodivergent and diverse learners

* Is unwilling to work collaboratively with both young people and adults

* Is opposed to our core values of inclusion, environmental responsibility and democracy

How to Apply

We encourage applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those that are

underrepresented in our field of work.

Please send a cover letter (no more than two pages) and your CV to hannah@theawenproject.com

Deadline: Sunday 30th June 2025

First Interviews: 2nd July 2025

Final Round (in-person with tribe and community): 7th–10th July

Final selection and village meeting: Tuesday 15th July 2025