Job Description

Culford School

Suffolk

Job type:

Part Time, Permanent

Apply by:

30 November 2025

Job overview

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The DT is a very popular and recently renovated Department. We have three new classrooms and three purpose built DT workshops with all the up to date equipment as well as traditional hand tools and machines. We work mainly with wood, metal and plastic but we also get involved in a myriad of other materials and projects with other departments. In the lower years, we teach the pupils traditional skills with traditional tools and equipment so they understand the materials they are working with. As they master these they progress to learning more modern skills using more technology and our CADCAM machines. We strongly believe the pupils need to work with their hands as well as the machines.

We work very closely with the Art and Textiles department and their pupils, there is a very positive and can do attitude between the departments which the candidates would need to be a key player within. Art and Textiles have their own technician who you, on occasion, work closely with. It is a very busy but positive atmosphere in the department, there is never a dull moment but we all help each other out.


DT is very popular subject at Culford, especially at GCSE and A Level and we aim to push the pupils in everything they do, especially when designing and making their products. The candidate should have a good working knowledge and experience, or a will to learn and test themselves, in the manufacture of Wood, Metal and Plastic using hand tools, powered machinery and CAD/CAM equipment.


The department is very well equipped, it has the standard equipment found in all workshops such as a wide range of hand tools, bandsaws, pillar drills, belt sanders etc but we also have metal and wood lathes, MIG welding, a forge, a brazing hearth, router table, tube bending equipment, vacuum former, plastic dip coater and a range of CAD/CAM equipment such as a laser cutter, 3D router and 3D Printer. Alongside that the Technician will have a planer, thicknesser and circular saw in their workshop for their use only.


The below specifications are there to show the breadth and depth needed for a successful candidate but above all we are looking for someone who:

has a positive and can do attitude who enjoys working with others in a team enjoys working with children aged from 10-18 years old has a good understanding of workshop tools, processes and materials and is willing to learn all aspects and areas of the Culford School workshops

Job Purpose

The role of the Design and Technology Technician, reporting to the Head of Department (and the Bursar) is to support the smooth running of the Design and Technology Department. Preparing materials and maintaining equipment and tools to ensure the teaching environment is kept to a safe and high standard. The post holder will support the Department in that ensuring stock control is managed and materials are prepared for classes in order to assist teaching staff. The post holder will work under the instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the DT Department, to support access to learning for students and provide general support to the teacher in the management of students and the classroom.


Below for discussion, the key thing is positive / can do attitude, good with pupils, good understanding and enjoyment of materials, tools and machines in a workshop

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Working with and supporting the pupils, guiding and mentoring them Supervise students, ensuring their safety in the department and their progress. Ensure that all tools and equipment complies to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and to BS4163 and subsequent amendments
+ There is a simple system of weekly and termly checks that needs following
+ Inspection, testing and updating of equipment
+ Sharpening, repairing, replacing of tools and equipment
+ Making updates or modifications to equipment
Ordering of materials and tools and equipment Managing the simple spreadsheet that adds up everything the department has spent Preparing materials for classes Preparing equipment for classes Assisting with exhibitions and displays Making things for the department (storage units and racks, display plinths etc) Attend and contribute to weekly departmental meetings Helping the HoD to organise and manage the Health and Safety Docummentation

Person Specification

A positive and can do attitude who enjoys working with others in a team - essential Enjoys working with children aged from 10-18 years old - essential Has a very good understanding and experience of working in a range of workshop materials with a range of workshop tools and processes and is willing to learn all areas of the Culford School workshop. Good numeracy and literacy skills - essential DATA Health and Safety accreditation or willingness to work towards this (paid for by the school) Computer literate or be willing to learn (there will be a need to be involved in email, simple Spreadsheets and CAD) Excellent communication skills Ability to relate well to children and adults Ability to work as part of a team, Good time management and organisational skills A good understanding of health and safety and the risk assessment process and a willingness to learn more and be involved in the management of the H&S files Experience of using a range of tools and equipment Able to maintain and repair all tools and equipment Understanding of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of safeguarding legislation Effective use of ICT to support learning or be willing to learn

Working Hours (but we can be flexible)

Term Time


Monday - Friday


8.30am - 5.30pm (but with some flexibility - for discussion)


Holidays - Over the year there will be 5 weeks of work needed during the holidays to prepare materials, maintain the machines (not servicing - that is done externally) and support the staff. To be discussed and agreed with the HoD DT and the Bursar

Supporting the School

Demonstrate awareness of the school's educational and behavioural policies for developing students. Accompany teaching staff and students on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of the teacher. Attend weekly meetings and discussions, which contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the department and the school. Adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct, dress code and other policies relating to staff. Demonstrate a record of excellent attendance and punctuality. Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding, Health & Safety, security, confidentiality and data protection reporting all concerns to the appropriate person as agreed. Be aware of and support diversity and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. Participate in the school's performance appraisal/ performance related pay/performance development scheme in order to develop and enhance personal and service performance. Any other duties as reasonably requested by the Head Teacher.

Safeguarding

Culford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo a child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks to meet vetting and barring requirements. For more information about that process please refer to the application form.

As an equal opportunities employer, Culford School is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.


We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join Culford School.


Culford School puts at the centre of its operation the safeguarding of the pupils of the school. There is a commitment to keep safeguarding at the forefront of every employee and volunteer's mind. We encourage a culture of challenge, not just to act when there is a need, but also in the way we think to ensure the risks of harm to the pupils' individual welfare are minimised.


Job applicants will undergo appropriate child protection screening and be subject to checks with previous employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Successful applicants must complete mandatory pre-employment training in safeguarding and other key areas before the commencement of employment.


Culford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out, references will be sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.


We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice and have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, both of which are available on request. As you have been shortlisted, you are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to potential employers, and employers cannot take these offences into account.


If you are unsure whether you need to disclose criminal information, you should seek legal advice or you may wish to contact Nacro or Unlock for impartial advice. There is more information on filtering and protected offences on the Ministry of Justice website.

About

Culford School

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Culford School

Bury, St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP28 6TX
United Kingdom

+44 1284 728615

Established in 1881, Culford School is a co-educational, all-through, independent school in the town of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Offering places to around 700 pupils aged 1-18, the selective school sits on a large plot of rural land and boasts a mix of 18th-century buildings and modern teaching facilities.



Although the majority of Culford's children are day pupils, the school offers boarding facilities for prep and senior pupils. Prospective students are expected to pass examinations across a broad range of subjects. The precise nature of the admissions procedure differs depending on the age of the child applying for entry.

Head

Claire Bentley

Values and vision

Culford School was originally founded in the Methodist tradition and as a result takes pride in the cultural and spiritual development of its pupils. Students are instilled with a strong moral code and encouraged to value themselves and the work they produce, as well as to always have respect for their fellow pupils and staff members.

ISI report

"The quality of pupils' personal development throughout the school is excellent and is supported by strong pastoral care. Pupils have high levels of moral and social awareness, and a clear sense of right and wrong, demonstrating emotional maturity. They treat each other with tolerance and respect and there are excellent relationships between staff and pupils."



View Culford School's latest ISI reportPlease note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow

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