At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging Food Technology and Design Technology lessons to support young people.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.
- Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement, health benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible environment with excellent career growth and support towards Qualified Teacher Status.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable learners while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with young people and strong behaviour management skills.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Unqualified Teacher to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who require additional emotional, behavioural, and social support to succeed in education.
The successful candidate will primarily deliver Food Technology and Design Technology (DT) lessons, supporting learners to develop practical skills, confidence, and engagement through hands‑on, creative learning. You will be working with pupils who may present with a range of needs including SEMH difficulties, autism, ADHD, trauma‑related behaviours, and disengagement from learning.
Key Responsibilities- Deliver engaging Food Technology and DT lessons, following school schemes of work
- Adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEMH needs
- Create a safe, structured, and positive practical learning environment
- Manage behaviour effectively using consistent, trauma‑informed approaches
- Support pupils in developing life skills, independence, and vocational interests
- Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, SEN staff, and pastoral teams
- Contribute to EHCP targets and individual learning plans
- Maintain high standards of health and safety in practical/food preparation environments
- Passionate about working with young people with SEMH needs
- Calm, resilient, and able to build strong, positive relationships
- Confident in delivering or supporting practical lessons (Food Tech/DT)
- Flexible and able to adapt teaching approaches to individual learners
- Strong in behaviour management and classroom routines
- Committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners
- Experience in SEMH, PRU, alternative provision, or SEND settings
- Background in Food Technology, Design Technology, catering, or trade skills
- Experience working with challenging behaviour or youth work
- Willingness to work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well‑being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
Join our team to make a difference.
Unqualified Teacher to teach Food Technology employer: Portland School
Join our specialist SEMH school as an Unqualified Teacher and become part of a supportive and dynamic work culture dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. With generous holiday entitlements, access to health and wellbeing plans, and opportunities for professional growth through our Institute of Education, we prioritise your development and well-being while fostering a positive environment for both staff and students. This role not only allows you to engage creatively with learners but also offers unique benefits that enhance your work-life balance and career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Unqualified Teacher to teach Food Technology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for working with young people. Talk about any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical assessments! Since you'll be teaching Food Technology, brush up on your practical skills and think of creative lesson ideas. This will show that you're ready to engage students in hands-on learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a positive impact in the lives of our students.
We think you need these skills to ace Unqualified Teacher to teach Food Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people, especially those with SEMH needs. Share any experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Unqualified Teacher role. Highlight your skills in Food Technology and how you can adapt lessons to meet individual needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portland School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on Food Technology and Design Technology concepts. Be ready to discuss how you would deliver engaging lessons and adapt them for students with SEMH needs. Showing your passion for the subject will definitely impress!
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since you'll be working with young people who may have various challenges, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully connected with students or managed challenging behaviour.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations in the classroom, especially regarding behaviour management and creating a positive learning environment. Have a few strategies in mind that align with trauma-informed approaches to share during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs or how they foster collaboration among staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
