At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and support practical Food lessons, ensuring a safe and efficient learning environment.
- Company: Join River Academy, a growing school with a vibrant community and high demand for education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and employee support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' learning experiences while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in science or technology; strong communication and safety knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 13544 - 13544 £ per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Details: Permanent part-time position. Salary: £13,544 annually (actual). Grade 4 (SCP 7-11) working term-time only with 5 INSET days; 22.20 hours per week. Full-time equivalent: £26,402. Hours per week: 22.60. Positions available: 1. Closing date: Midnight, Mon 15 Jun 2026. Start date: September 2026.
About This Role: River Academy, opened September 2024 with 180 students and a small resource base, anticipates an increase in student numbers with the next cohort of Year 7 students in September 2026. The school is oversubscribed across all year groups and expects continued high demand. The Food Technician will support the safe, smooth and efficient operation of practical Food lessons — preparing materials and equipment, maintaining resources, and ensuring students can take part in high-quality practical learning safely and effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare, assemble and modify apparatus, materials and equipment required for practical lessons.
- Support teaching colleagues with demonstrations, practical activities and assessed practical work.
- Provide technical guidance to colleagues and students on the safe and correct use of materials and equipment.
- Organise, store and check equipment and materials, ensuring they are safe, available and fit for purpose.
- Support compliance with Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH regulations.
- Carry out technician-related risk assessments and report any concerns promptly.
- Dispose of waste materials safely and in line with relevant regulations.
- Maintain first aid kits and relevant safety equipment, carrying out safety checks where required.
- Support inclusive access to practical activities by ensuring equipment and resources are prepared and accessible for students.
- Work collaboratively with teaching and support colleagues to maintain high standards across the department.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Composed, practical and proactive, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
- Ability to manage competing tasks and maintain orderly working environments, working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH regulations, and confidence in supporting the safe handling, storage and disposal of materials.
- Strong communication skills are important, as the role involves working with colleagues and students to support safe and effective practical learning.
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in science or technology is required.
- First aid training is desirable.
Benefits:
- Pension scheme: generous employer contributions with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual leave: generous holiday entitlement increasing with length of service.
- Hybrid working: flexible approach to working arrangements where appropriate.
- Employee assistance programme including discount vouchers and 24/7 support.
- English language provider Perkbox offering discounts and wellness resources.
- Free flu vaccinations for staff.
- Mental health first aid support.
Contact:
Email: Hartley@maidenerleghtrust.org
Part-Time Food Technician | School Lab Safety & Prep in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to health and safety, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, employees can thrive in a collaborative environment dedicated to high-quality education. The school's focus on inclusivity and continuous improvement ensures that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of its students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-Time Food Technician | School Lab Safety & Prep in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at River Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Food Technician.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Health and Safety knowledge, especially COSHH regulations. We want to show that we’re not just passionate about food tech but also serious about keeping everyone safe!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our experience and skills clearly, making us stand out as the ideal candidate for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how we meet the specific needs of the Food Technician role.
We think you need these skills to ace Part-Time Food Technician | School Lab Safety & Prep in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Food Technician. We want to see how you can support practical lessons and ensure safety in the lab!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working closely with both students and colleagues, it's important to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use examples from your past experiences where you've effectively collaborated or guided others.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in science or technology. If you have any first aid training, make sure to include that too, as it’s a desirable skill for this position!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Health and Safety regulations, especially COSHH. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about maintaining a safe learning environment.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Prepare to talk about any relevant experience you have in a lab or kitchen setting. Think of specific examples where you've successfully prepared materials or supported practical lessons, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working closely with teachers and students, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. This will highlight your strong communication skills, which are essential for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the school's approach to practical learning or how they ensure safety in the lab. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
