Teacher/Instructor of Food Technology & SEN

Oakfield School is dedicated to its students, who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties, and each student’s needs are met with expertise and compassion. Working at Oakfield School is a rewarding and fulfilling experience and we recognise the impact of exceptional teachers on the development of our students.

We are looking for a teacher or instructor to deliver cooking to students in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 in small groups. This role focuses on developing students’ confidence in cooking, nutrition and food preparation, helping them to build valuable life skills in a supportive learning environment.

We are looking for someone to facilitate and encourage learning which enables pupils to achieve high standards, and to share corporate responsibility for the wellbeing, education and discipline of all pupils.

This role is open to both qualified Teachers and suitably experienced unqualified Teachers with a professional background in cookery or food‑related industries. Where the postholder is unqualified, appropriate support, supervision and professional development will be provided in line with school and Trust arrangements.

About you:

The successful candidate will be willing and enthusiastic about making a difference to our students’ lives and their education and will be someone who works with the students to deliver imaginative and exciting learning opportunities and have;

• Industry expertise or high-level culinary skills
• Organisational, administrative and time management skills
• Knowledge of the Food Curriculum and skill set to deliver to all key stages
• Ability to use own initiative to develop and improve the cooking curriculum
• Delivery of engaging lessons that support students to achieve their full potential

• Patience and empathy in supporting students' individual needs and challenges

Key Accountabilities:

• The successful candidate must be either a qualified Teacher or unqualified Teacher/Instructor with significant professional cookery experience.

• Unqualified teachers will be expected to work towards meeting relevant teaching standards as appropriate, supported by the school.

• The postholder will deliver high‑quality cookery and food education, ensuring pupils develop practical skills, subject knowledge and positive attitudes to learning.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing teaching materials, equipment and resources for student activities and project work, to include planning and online materials
• Ordering the ingredients to plan and prepare for all food lessons
• Delivery of high-quality experiences which enable learners to develop in their learning of academic skills
• Supporting the development of learners’ skills and knowledge
• Measuring learner progress through a range of assessments and through providing feedback
• Maintenance of pupil records
• Distributing equipment, tools and materials to authorised staff and students if required
• Ensuring all display work is up to date, of a high quality and represents the students within the current area
• Assisting in the efficient running of the area by being aware of the duties performed by other members of the team

We offer an excellent staff induction programme and support and are committed to high quality continued professional development.

For further details and an informal discussion please contact the school on telephone number 01482 854588. Visits to the school are welcome.

The Consortium Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all children and expects all staff to share this commitment. An appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS disclosure, in line with the usual terms and conditions of employment at The Consortium Academy Trust. Any offer of employment to the above post will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service

As part of Oakfield School’s recruitment processes in accordance with statutory guidance: Keeping children safe in education (2025) an online search will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates.