Food Tech & Science Technician

Location: High Peak School, Higher Disley

Contract: 40 hours per week - Term Time Only

Salary: Scale Point 4 £23,490 to Scale Point 6 £24,246 (actual salary)

Start Date: Immediate start

Are you passionate about supporting teaching and learning in Science and Food Technology? We are looking for a Food and Science Technician to join our dedicated team and help create an engaging, safe, and well-prepared environment for practical lessons.

About the role

As a Food & Science Technician, you will play a vital role in preparing and maintaining equipment, materials, and ingredients for practical lessons. You will ensure that classrooms and laboratories are safe, organised, and ready for students to learn. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with teachers and contribute to inspiring lessons in both Science and Food Technology.

What you will be doing - Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and set up equipment, materials, and ingredients for practical lessons.
• Assist teachers during practical sessions where required.
• Maintain and clean equipment, ensuring safe storage and proper inventory management.
• Order and manage stock of chemicals, food ingredients, and other resources.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including COSHH and food hygiene standards.
• Support school events such as open evenings, science fairs, and food technology showcases.
• Prepare risk assessments for practical activities and maintain safety documentation.

What we’re looking for

• GCSEs (including Science) or equivalent; further qualifications in Science or Food Technology desirable.
• Previous experience in a school laboratory or kitchen environment preferred.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures in science labs and food preparation areas.
• A minimum of 3 months experience working in an education setting, working with students with Special Educational Needs – especially Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia/dyspraxia.
• The ability to tailor your skills to meet the needs of each individual child.
• Someone who is kind, caring and patient when dealing with children who require specialist support.
• A team player who will uphold the mission, values and goals of High Peak School.
• A can-do attitude.
• ICT literate with good numeracy skills.
• A Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Great communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for education and helping students thrive.
• Someone who is able to commute to High Peak School.

Why join us?

• Supportive and friendly school community.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!
• A supportive ethos and concern for the well-being of all members of our learning community.
• High ambitions for all and provides excellent opportunities for professional development.
• A well-ordered environment with high standards of commitment from pupils, staff and parents.
• A strong emphasis on staff well-being and free access to external support agencies if needed.

When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service.
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.

Who are we?

Our school supports children aged from 7 to 16 years old who are on the autistic spectrum and are struggling in education and to fit in at mainstream or other specialist settings. Pupils will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) but may not have a diagnosis however display traits of autism and associated conditions. At High Peak School we have high expectations of ourselves and our pupils so we can all reach our true potential. Through our nurturing and therapeutic approach, we will enable all of our pupils to leave as successful valued and independent people that results in the best quality of life outcomes.

We strive to provide a high-quality education in a positive and nurturing learning environment that makes a difference to the children within our care. Every opportunity is taken to promote confidence and emotional well-being and to enable young people to develop the range of skills that they will need for life beyond school.

Our specialist multi-disciplinary team of leaders, carers, therapists and educationalists work seamlessly together. They teach and proactively support pupils who have been subjected to adverse childhood experiences, including trauma, toxic stress and associated mental wellbeing difficulties, aiming to break the cycle of adversity. Children and young people may also come to us because they are challenged by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

The environment and teaching approaches are bespoke and tailored to ensure our children and young people thrive and can develop their self-esteem.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.

We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.