Food and DT Technician

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education institution in Birmingham seeks a Food Technology Educator to manage food preparation facilities and support pupils with autism. This role involves ensuring health and safety compliance, preparing resources for practical lessons, and developing pupils' cooking skills while accommodating individual dietary needs. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in education, alongside a commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment. The position offers a secure and structured atmosphere that promotes independence and confidence in students.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and educational support.
• Knowledge of food hygiene standards and allergies.
• Understanding of autism and sensory needs.

Responsibilities

• Support Food Technology teachers with lesson planning and material preparation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations in the kitchen.
• Liaise with parents and staff regarding pupils' dietary needs.

Skills

Food preparation

Health and safety compliance

Teaching support

Dietary knowledge

Sensory awareness

Education

Relevant qualifications in Food Technology or Education

Job description

ABOUT BASKERVILLE SCHOOL

Baskerville School is a specialist autism secondary school serving 194 pupils aged 11-19, all with Education, Health and Care Plans. We provide an autism‑informed learning environment that recognises the diverse sensory, communication, and learning needs of our pupils. Our Food Technology programme is a vital part of our curriculum, developing practical life skills, independence, and confidence in our pupils. We are committed to providing safe, structured, and accessible learning experiences that promote skill development while respecting individual sensory preferences and dietary requirements.

MAIN PURPOSE

To support the effective delivery of Food Technology education across the school by managing food preparation facilities, ensuring health and safety compliance, preparing resources and equipment, and supporting pupils with autism to access practical food lessons safely and successfully.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Food Technology teachers in the preparation and delivery of practical lessons.
• Prepare food ingredients, equipment, and resources in advance of lessons according to teaching requirements.
• Provide direct support to pupils during practical food preparation activities, adapting support to individual needs.
• Demonstrate food preparation techniques and safe use of equipment to pupils with diverse learning needs.
• Support pupils to develop practical cooking skills, independence, and confidence.
• Adapt practical activities to accommodate sensory sensitivities and individual learning styles.
• Work with teaching staff to ensure differentiated approaches for pupils across different learning pathways.
• Support assessment activities and record pupil progress in practical skills as directed by teaching staff.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND HYGINE MANAGEMENT

Maintain exemplary standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in all food preparation areas. Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, Environmental Health requirements and school policies. Conduct daily health and safety checks of food preparation areas and equipment. Maintain accurate records including temperature checks, cleaning schedules and safety inspections. Implement and maintain COSHH procedures and risk assessments for food technology activities. Ensure pupils follow safe working practices and hygiene procedures appropriate to their understanding. Report any health and safety concerns, equipment faults or hazards immediately. Maintain first aid readiness and respond appropriately to minor injuries in food preparation areas.

ALLERGEN AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of pupils' dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances. Implement robust allergen management procedures and prevent cross‑contamination. Check all ingredients for allergen information and ensure appropriate labelling. Prepare alternative ingredients and adaptations for pupils with specific dietary needs. Maintain clear communication with teaching staff regarding pupils' dietary restrictions. Keep accurate records of dietary requirements and ensure information is accessible to all relevant staff. Liaise with parents, carers and medical professionals regarding complex dietary needs where appropriate.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND PROCUREMENT

Order, receive and store food ingredients and materials in accordance with food safety requirements. Manage stock control systems, monitor inventory levels and minimise waste. Maintain accurate budget records and process invoices for food technology resources. Source ingredients cost‑effectively while ensuring quality and meeting dietary requirements. Implement proper food storage procedures including rotation of stock and date labelling. Monitor ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates and dispose of expired items appropriately. Maintain appropriate levels of consumables including cleaning materials and disposable items.

EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Maintain all food technology equipment in safe working order. Arrange and coordinate servicing, maintenance and repairs of kitchen equipment. Keep accurate records of equipment maintenance, safety checks and PAT testing. Report faulty or damaged equipment promptly and ensure it is taken out of use. Maintain inventory of equipment and recommend replacements or additions as needed. Ensure knives and sharp equipment are stored securely and managed safely. Clean, sanitise and store all equipment appropriately after use.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Maintain food technology rooms and kitchens in excellent condition, ensuring they are clean, organised and welcoming. Ensure learning environments support low‑arousal approaches with minimal sensory overload. Manage cleaning schedules and ensure deep cleaning is completed regularly. Monitor and maintain appropriate temperature controls for refrigeration and cooking equipment. Ensure waste disposal procedures are followed and recycling is implemented where possible. Coordinate with site staff regarding maintenance issues, plumbing or facilities concerns.

WORKING WITH PUPILS WITH AUTISM

Understand and respond appropriately to the sensory needs of pupils with autism. Adapt support strategies to accommodate pupils' sensory sensitivities around food textures, smells and tastes. Use clear, consistent communication and visual supports to aid understanding. Maintain calm, patient and predictable approaches consistent with low‑arousal practice. Support positive behaviour management strategies and de‑escalation techniques. Build positive relationships with pupils, showing patience and understanding. Celebrate pupils' achievements and encourage independence in practical skills.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND COLLABORATION

Work collaboratively with teaching staff, teaching assistants and support staff. Attend departmental meetings, staff meetings and training sessions as required. Participate in continuing professional development related to food safety and autism practice. Maintain up‑to‑date food hygiene certification (Level 2 minimum). Adhere to school policies, procedures and codes of conduct at all times. Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality regarding pupil information. Demonstrate commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Contribute positively to the school's ethos, values and inclusive culture. Support whole‑school events, enrichment activities and themed days as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise pupils during practical activities, ensuring safety at all times.
• Provide information and guidance to visiting groups or student placements as appropriate.
• Support the organisation of food‑related events, enterprise activities or community initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of current food trends, nutritional guidelines and food technology developments.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher or line manager.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED

Please visit the website for more information about this role.

CLOSING DATE

Closing date: 2 January 2026
Interviews: w/c 5 January 2026

START DATE

Start date: as soon as possible

HOW TO APPLY

Application forms can be downloaded from our website. Please return the completed application form to [e-mail]

CV’s will not be accepted.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre‑employment checks, including: enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work.

All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

An online search will also be carried out as part of due diligence on all short‑listed candidates.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

Safeguarding is our top priority. We encourage all applicants to review our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which outlines our commitment to the safety and well‑being of students.

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016).

Therefore, the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.