The role of staff
The role of staff members within the Sudbury model is very different to that of a traditional educational setting. We do not look specifically for teachers, though staff may be called upon to teach, their primary purpose is quite different. Staff act as role models to students, as examples of what it means to be a grown-up, to be self-directed, to set a goal and work towards it and as models of responsible behaviour.
Our staff are also responsible for the work that it takes to keep our setting open and running smoothly. Whilst students are free to take on management and administration roles they are not obliged to do so, staff have a duty to take on the remainder of the work. And of course, staff also support students in their learning; this role can sometimes take the form of a teacher, but more often it will be that of a friend, facilitator or mentor. As a result, we seek to provide variety within our staff team – variety of interest, of background and of personality.
If you’d like to know more about the role of staff within a setting like EKS, we recommend the following posts:
- What do staff do at Hudson Valley Sudbury School?
- The art of doing nothing
- Instant availability without continuous presence
- The role of staff – podcast
Current Vacancies
East Kent Sudbury (EKS) is a ground-breaking project set in the heart of East Kent, providing a three day a week self-directed democratic setting for home-educated children aged between five and eighteen. In contrast to top-down conventional schooling, we are governed by our weekly Community Meeting, where students and staff come together with an equal voice and vote to make decisions about the things that matter most to us. You would be helping to change the face of education and joining a team of individuals who are passionate about self-directed and consent based education and equal rights for children of all backgrounds, ages and abilities.
Priority will be given to those who are knowledgeable and passionate about self-directed education. You will need to understand and believe in a self-directed and democratic setting and be motivated to help EKS grow and mature as a community. We are looking for life-long learners who follow their own interests and passions and enjoy working with both young children and teens.
At EKS we seek to provide a vibrant, inspiring space to work and learn, and a community that is diverse and inclusive. As a Staff Member you will be expected to model responsibility, and to treat everyone as equal to yourself, being conscious of, and working towards more equitable treatment of those who are at risk of discrimination in regards to characteristics such as their age, gender identity/expression, race/ethnicity, neurodiversity, disability, sexuality or spiritual/cultural/religious beliefs.
Core Staff Member Role
The Staff Member positions being offered are for three days a week. Shortlisted candidates would begin their 3 month probationary period on 7th January 2025.
We have 3 core staff member positions available.
Staff members at EKS work directly with students and take on various responsibilities in order to keep the community and business running effectively. We use the term “staff member” rather than “teacher” to emphasise our values of equality and democracy. If successful you would be responsible for upholding our values and ethos and would model mature and positive behaviours in all you do.
You would be available to share your knowledge when requested and also to support students in finding and meeting their own passions and goals. This role requires a high level of flexibility in both facilitating the running of a democratic community/business and in meeting the ever changing needs and interests of self-directed learners.
“Staff members at Hudson Valley Sudbury School ensure that the day-to-day environment and operation of the school reflects the school’s educational philosophy; act as role models of successful adult behaviour; facilitate student access to resources; and perform the administrative and maintenance tasks required to run the school and care for the school property”
Quote from ‘What do staff do at Hudson Valley sudbury School?’
About the position
Salary – Core Staff position – 16hrs per week at £11.44ph with some paid overtime for meetings and site close-down rota (up to 2 hours per month) and up to 3 spaces for your own children.
Holiday – 12 weeks taken outside of term time unless agreed with the staffing committee in advance.
For further details please see the full job specification here
To Apply
Applicants are required to fill in the application form and send their C.V to the Staffing Committee Chair – Kate Coleman at kate.coleman@ekss.org.uk.
Our full Recruitment Policy and Procedure document can be viewed here.
Deadline for applications is 5pm on 21st November 2024
Internships
We are excited to be offering internship opportunities for those who are passionate about self-directed education and equality, and those eager to develop the skills needed to support authentic child-led learning. If you are interested in being part of an energetic and collaborative team and joining our well-established self-directed learning community, this might be the perfect opportunity for you.
We are looking for individuals motivated to build community alongside young people, helping them explore their passions, explore their dreams and identities, and to discover and learn to safely navigate the joys and responsibilities of freedom.
If you are a self determined and passionate individual, and if you are keen to receive training and experience in areas such as democracy and culture building, authentic communication, and consent, we would be thrilled to have you apply for an internship with us. As one of the largest learning communities in England, we have opportunities for learning that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
We are offering opportunities to:
- Observe and learn how to support self-directed education in a mixed age setting.
- Learn about authentic consent-based communication skills.
- Help to build democracy and culture through collaborative decision making processes.
- Receive mentorship in your chosen area of interest
Suitable for (not limited to):
- Those founding a learning community
- Researchers or academics in the field of Self Directed Education
- Those interested in the Sudbury model and Sudbury settings
- Those seeking experience in child-led learning and collaboration
- Those with a background or training in other related fields that are wanting experience in self directed learning and democratic processes
- Those wishing to apply for a future paid staff position at East Kent Sudbury
To request an Application Pack
or to discuss further please email Naomi Clarke –
naomi.clarke@ekss.org.uk
Specialist skills
We often invite in external facilitators to assist our students with their interests. Our students are currently particularly interested to work with anyone with specialist knowledge in:
- IT /programming – especially game design and programming
- Fashion and textiles
- Foreign languages
- Art and design
If you’re interested in working with our students in pursuing their passions either on a regular basis or as a one-off workshop or talk, get in touch we’d love to talk to you.
Current staff
Kate Coleman (she/her)
Kate – Stands at tiller of the democratic ship. A founder and visionary, Kate has been at EKS from the beginning of its onward voyage. She is often found in the office (now with a babe in arms) on the phone liaising with our international community, strategising, reading stories to students and overseeing and updating policies. Our Kate will never say no to a cup of tea; four and a half sugars fyi.
Antoinette Reid (she/her)
Antoinette/Anti/ – Our fun loving, down for anything, playful, silly dancing queen! It’s impossible not to love her infectious personality. She can often be found dancing her way through the corridors, talking in song or role-playing with the younger ones and easily puts a smile on the faces of our whole community. Pied Piper of EKS there is often a trail of students right behind her!
Antointette is currently on sabbatical until September 2025
Sushmita Chatterjee (she/her)
Sushmita/Sushi/Sush – Oh our lovely Sush, the keeper and recorder of our memories with her eye for detail and camera in hand. When not snapping away, she can often be found gracing the kitchen with her delicious culinary delights. Sush is multi-lingual and brings adventure, fun and spontaneity; students voiced that she often brought great ideas. When she returns from trips in India we eagerly anticipate the stories, gifts and a profound sense of culture and belonging she emits into the EKS community.
Richard Bundy (he/him)
Richard/Rich – Sensitive to energies, Richard is an often needed calming force who oozes warmth. When we asked what Richard brought to the community answers were so varied and kind, but one stuck out – “Simply, he brings everything we need.” As lucky as we are to have his musical talents and experience when he isn’t on stage or in a studio, we are even luckier that he has chosen to share his wisdom and creativity with our EKS family.
Cormac Martin (he/him)
Cormac/Corm – The man from the trees. Visit him in forest school or woodwork and you will be welcomed with fresh fire-baked bread, hot chocolate and always enough time to delve into the deepest, most profound chats. With the patience of Yoda and the warmth of a friendly bear, Corm inspires us to build from our wildest imagination, connect with ourselves and connect with nature. What’s that sound? It’s Cormac, shredding on the guitar with anyone who wants to jam the Blues!
Kirsty Southam (she/her)
Kirsty – Big hearted, nature loving, list making superstar! Over the last year she has transformed our office systems, kept Kate sane (no means feat) and become an integral part of the smooth running of EKS. In order for the complex system of EKS to incorporate freedom, fun and learning, an enormous amount of planning and organising for the community must be orchestrated behind the scenes. Kirsty shows us that only calm and organised conductors (with a brilliant sense of humour) can guide such a composition!
Louise Heddle (she/her)
Louise – Our Louise – Let us tell you about this wonderful human, who you are more likely to spot at the gate than inside the building. Don’t be fooled though – without Louise there is no EKS. A founder and now director, Louise steadies our ship when the seas are turbulent. Her calming, beautiful outlook on life brings something extra special to our team.
Jez Williams (he/him)
Jez – With an enthusiasm that knows no bounds, Jez is known for jumping in with both feet! We can’t always keep track of him as he bounces from one thing to the next with unwaivering energy. With a love of permaculture he can often be found in the pollytunnel planting or more recently was found with others, seed bombing the site with homemade catapluts! Another creative, with a love of drama, history and board games, Jez is often in high demand!
Mims Lanstone (she/her)
Mims – Our resident ‘meeting knitter’. We’re not sure there an end to the talent of the artistic wonder that is the lovely Mims. Maker and creator extraordinar! Often found at the whim of students imagination, from helping them bring Shark or Hello Kitty plushies to life, to overseeing the creation of an EKS deck of cards. Her cheerful personality and can do attitude has brought a brilliant new energy to EKS that can’t be ignored!
Naomi Clarke (she/her)
Naomi – Naomi is responsible for managing our beautiful site, bringing dreams to reality by working fundraising magic and also leads on all things H&S. Although mainly working from home you will occasionally see her on site and at events. And when at EKS, the Pokémon club are blessed with an extra member! As an Autistic woman and long term champion of children’s rights and SDE, Naomi has knowledge, insight and exceptional organisation skills that are greatly welcomed!
Millie Oakley (she/her)
Millie – Our youngest ever elected staff member. Fresh faced from university with an intense interest in SDE, Millie has blown in like a breath of fresh air. Wise beyond her years yet still young at heart, Millie has a unique perspective that is immensely valued. She effortlessly models what it is to be a self-directed learner. Observant, inspirational, generous in spirit, non-judgemental, gentle and wise were just some of the words people used to describe our wonderful Millie.
Our staff are also supported by the members of our founding group that helped bring East Kent Sudbury to fruition and by many friends, family and supporters. If you’d like to get more involved whether in the setting or as a supporter, please get in touch we always like to hear from those that share our vision for education that truly gives a voice to children.