Education Specialist Contractor - Devon

We are pleased to invite tenders for an exciting freelance opportunity to support the Saving Devon’s Native Crayfish Project (SDNCP) as an Education Specialist, under contract with the Wildwood Trust.

Contract Details

Title: Education Specialist

Start Date: 1st June 2025

End Date: 31st October 2025

Contract Value: Estimated £3,750 inclusive of VAT, exclusive of travel

Travel Reimbursement: £0.45 per mile

Estimated Time Commitment: 10 days (7.5-hour days) throughout the contract period

Closing Date: 28th May 2025

Project Background

The white-clawed crayfish is the UK’s only native crayfish species and is critically endangered, particularly due to invasive species and associated pathogens like crayfish plague. In Devon, only two wild populations remain, making their protection urgent and essential. The SDNCP is a collaborative effort between Wildwood Trust, the National Trust, South West Water, and other partners, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This role will play a vital part in raising awareness and educating primary school children about white-clawed crayfish, river ecology, and environmental stewardship.

Role Overview

As the appointed Education Specialist, you will:

• Work with project staff and crayfish specialists to plan, design, and produce an education resource pack for the project based on white-clawed crayfish and river ecology.
• The pack must be designed to inspire curiosity and exploration and should feature a combination of outdoor learning opportunities and classroom-based activities.
• The activities should be aimed at Key Stage 1 and 2 primary school aged children (4 to 11 years old) and adaptable for all learning and accessibility needs ensuring the content is inclusive for all. It also needs to be adaptable for both younger and older children.
• The pack should highlight the ecological significance of white-clawed crayfish, crayfish biology and lifecycle, river ecology background and help lead discussions on the issues affecting the species and the water quality in rivers. It is envisaged the packs will include:
  • Teacher guidance
  • Activity/lesson plans.
  • Outdoor and indoor learning opportunities including hands-on activities and follow-up classroom exercises that reinforce key concepts.
• Provide guidance to project staff on education best practice and school engagement advice.
• Lead at least 1 x ‘in school’ and 1 x Wildwood Devon ‘site visit’ test activity/session with a school group (supported by project staff)
• The successful contractor will report to the Project Manager (Wildwood Trust’s Conservation and Education Manager) and will be supported by the Project Team and a steering group.

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge of current KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum
• Proven experience delivering educational programmes in schools
• A teaching qualification or relevant educational experience

Tender Submission Guidelines

To apply, please submit:

1. A current CV and portfolio of previous relevant work
2. A supporting statement detailing your:
   • Suitability for the role
   • Track record and relevant experience
   • Proposed methodology and delivery plan
   • Added value or potential links with other initiatives
3. A fixed daily rate (based on 7.5 hours), inclusive of VAT but excluding travel
4. Quotes should include a full breakdown of costs
5. A list of relevant qualifications
6. CVs and experience summaries for all personnel involved (if applicable)

Tender Evaluation Criteria

Value for Money – 25%

Approach and experience – 50%

Capacity to Deliver – 25%

We welcome applications from individuals or small teams with the relevant expertise and passion to help safeguard this endangered species through impactful education and engagement.

Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 28th May 2025

If you wish to quote for the above service, please submit your response by the date specified using the contact details below. Please note that email is the preferred method of response, but postal responses are also accepted.

Charlotte Mead - Saving Devon’s Native Crayfish Project Manager

Telephone - 01404 822188

Email - charlotte.mead@wildwoodtrust.org

Address - Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU.

Contract Conditions

1. The Wildwood Trust does not bind itself to consider or accept the lowest or any Quotation.
2. Any Quotation shall constitute an offer made to the Wildwood Trust and shall remain open for acceptance for a period of 90 days from the closing date for submission of offers and will not in the meantime be withdrawn. Prices are to be submitted by the Offeror on the basis of the Specification.
3. This offer and any contract arising from it shall be subject to the Wildwood Trust Terms and Conditions.
4. Following award of contract, the successful contractor will supply a confirmed programme of works prior to work commencement to be agreed by both parties. This should include a breakdown of the project costs, material specifications/volumes to be supplied, the estimated project duration and an agreed completion date.
5. The Wildwood Trust is keen to ensure that all contractors meet the necessary quality and competency requirements throughout the contract period. The contractor must comply with:
   • Biosecurity measures: Ensure all machinery, tools, and personal equipment, including boots and clothing, is clean and free from any soil or organic material.
   • CDM Regulations 2015: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm
   • All other relevant environmental and health & safety legislation.
   • The contractor is required to carry out risk assessments for the site.
   • The contractor is responsible for providing the following documents prior to starting work at all sites:
     • Task based risk assessments.
     • CoSHH risk assessments (if applicable).
     • Lone working procedure (if applicable).
     • Emergency schedule and procedure.
6. Regular site meetings will be the basis of managing the contract although additional meetings can be requested by either party at any time within a reasonable time period.
7. All fuel/chemicals to be stored in bunded tanks or bowsers. All chain oil to be biodegradable.
8. Anti-pollution equipment to be available on site at all times.
9. It is the responsibility of the contractor to remove and dispose of correctly, any rubbish generated during works.
10. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the site is run in a professional manner, taking into account all relevant legislation.

The Saving Devon’s Native Crayfish project is managed by the Wildwood Trust (Devon) and is funded through National Heritage Lottery Fund. The project is also supported by South West Water.