At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young people through engaging cooking lessons and practical life skills.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while sharing your passion for cooking and healthy living.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Professional Cookery and teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 18424 - 18424 £ per year.
At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work.
Location: Heath Farm College, Maidstone, ME16 0ER
Hours: 25.5 hours per week | Wednesday to Friday
Salary: Up to £18,424.26 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: August 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.
About the Role
We're looking for a passionate Cooking Instructor / Teacher to deliver engaging cooking lessons and practical life skills to young people aged 14–19 with SEMH needs. Using your experience in education, catering or hospitality, you'll inspire students to gain vocational qualifications, build confidence and develop independence.
What you will be doing:
- Deliver practical cooking and food preparation lessons.
- Teach vocational cooking qualifications up to Level 2.
- Develop life skills including healthy eating, budgeting and meal planning.
- Adapt learning to individual EHCP outcomes.
- Promote food hygiene, kitchen safety and student wellbeing.
What you will bring:
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Professional Cookery, Catering, Hospitality, Food Preparation, Nutrition or a related subject.
- Teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, AET, PTLLS, DTLLS or equivalent).
- Assessor qualification (TAQA, A1, D32/33 or equivalent).
- Food Hygiene certification.
- Excellent practical cooking skills and the ability to engage and motivate young people.
- Strong organisational skills, creativity and a commitment to inclusion and student wellbeing.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
- Full UK driving licence.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Cooking Instructor/Teacher - Part-time in Maidstone employer: Sandwich Infant
Fairford Academy Barnehurst is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration with teachers and external professionals is encouraged. As part of the Illuminate Minds Trust, employees benefit from a strong network of partnership working, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cooking Instructor/Teacher - Part-time in Maidstone
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Sandwich Infant and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cooking Instructor/Teacher - Part-time in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Sandwich Infant that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Sandwich Infant.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Sandwich Infant get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Sandwich Infant and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
