Job Description

Job description

Job Title

- Food and Catering Tutor

Business Area -

Vocational Centres Bolton/Whythenshawe

Contract Type

-Permanent

Working Pattern

- Full Time, Term Time Only

Pay Scale

-29,000 - 36,000

(already pro-rata'd)

Role Purpose

To deliver high quality, inclusive practical and engaging food and catering training that will engage and inspire children and young people with complex needs, including those with Special Educational needs (SEN) and prepare them for semi-independent living/adulthood.

The role offers a unique opportunity to inspire and empower students by teaching essential life skills and vocational pathways in food preparation and catering.

The Food and Catering Tutor will create a calm, supportive and safe kitchen/classroom environment and contribute to each student's personal, social and academic development through a student-centred approach, preparing them for progression into further training, education or employment.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, deliver and assess accredited food and catering qualifications e.g. AQA and NFCE tailored to individual needs and abilities. Create a safe, inclusive and supportive kitchen/classroom environment that promotes positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing. Integrate practical cookery sessions with relevant theoretical knowledge, including food hygiene nutrition and industry practices. Tailor teaching and learning to meet the individual needs of learners with SEN using EHCPs and support plans to inform planning. Promote and embed life skills, employability and functional skills (English and Maths) into sessions where appropriate. Track and record learner progress, achievements and behaviour using clear assessment methods and reporting systems. Promote healthy eating and independent living through engaging, culturally diverse and age-appropriate food projects. Ensure all activities comply with health and safety, food hygiene and safeguarding policies. Work collaboratively with pastoral, safeguarding team to support learners' holistic needs. Monitor and track learner progress using clear assessment tools, reporting regularly to line managers and support staff. Maintain accurate records including risk assessments, attendance, progress reports and incident logs Maintain a clean, safe and complaint working area in accordance with health and safety, infection control and professional food preparation standards. Attend training, team meetings and standardisation sessions to ensure high quality teaching and continuous improvement.

Skills and Abilities

Practical Expertise

- Strong technical skills in food preparation and catering with the ability to confidently demonstrate and guide learners through a range of techniques.

Adaptability

- Able to adjust teaching methods and content to suit learners with SEN.

Communication

- Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage learners and work collaboratively with colleagues and professionals.

De-escalation management

- Skilled in managing challenging behaviour calmly and constructively using restorative approaches.

Relationship building

- Ability to form positive trusting relationships with students who may be disengaged, anxious or lacking in confidence.

Organisation

- Strong planning and organisational skills to manage session preparation, assessment and learner progress tracking.

Motivational coaching

- Ability to inspire learners, build self-esteem, and create a supportive encouraging learning environment.

Health and Safety awareness

- Understanding of best practices in maintaining a safe kitchen/classroom environment, including safe use of equipment and products.

Record Keeping

- competent in maintaining accurate records of attendance, progress, behaviour and assessment in line with awarding body and organisational standards.

Empathy and Patience

- emotionally intelligent, calm and patient when supporting students with complex needs or difficult life experiences.

Digital Literacy

- Able to use basic ICT tools for lesson planning, learner tracking and accessing qualification resources.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

Level 2 or higher qualification in professional cookery, hospitality or catering Experience working with vulnerable young people, particularly those with SEN in Alternative Education setting. Ability to adapt curriculum content to meet diverse needs and learning styles. Strong classroom de-escalation management skills. Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with learners and staff. Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and health and safety protocols in a practical learning environment. Passion for vocational education and supporting learners achieve their potential. Experience of meeting food hygiene and health & safety regulations in an educational or vocational context. First Aid qualification

Desirable

Recognised teaching qualification e.g. PTLLS, Award in Education & Training, PGCE or equivalent. Assessor or IQA qualifications Experience of working with ECHPs and multi-agency professionals Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and restorative practice.

Behaviours and Attitudes

Empathy

: Foster a supportive environment that encourages understanding and compassion among students and staff.

Integrity

: Uphold honesty and strong moral principles in all interactions and decisions.

Resilience

: Encourage students to develop coping strategies and the ability to bounce back from challenges.

Trust:

Build a culture of trust where students feel safe to express themselves and take risks in their learning.

Authenticity

: Encourage students to be true to themselves and embrace their individuality.

Commitment

: Instil a sense of dedication to personal growth and the learning process.

Honesty

: Promote transparency and truthfulness in all communications and assessments.

Enjoyment

: Create a joyful learning environment where students find pleasure in their educational experiences.

Learning

: Encourage a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.

Respect

: Cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect among students, staff, and the wider community.

Declarations

We aim to create and maintain a safe environment and community where all young people and adults feel safe, secure and valued. We work hard to create strong relationships and show a commitment to safeguarding all young people.

Our work is classified as Regulated Activity as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (SVGA). This role will include regular contact with Children 121 or group setting.? This includes those that could be classified as vulnerable and both an understanding of and experience in adhering to UK safeguarding legislation is required.

Further information relating to our Safeguarding, Child Protection, Ex-offender or Safer Recruitment policies are available upon request.

All applications are assessed on an individual basis in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

This post will require the successful candidate to complete our Disclosure Barring Service, Vulnerable Child and Adult register checks as well as reference checks. We may also carry out additional online searches such as social media as part of the selection process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 29,000.00-36,000.00 per year

Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025