Food/DT Specialist Teacher

A proposed independent special school is seeking a practical and enthusiastic Food / Design Technology Specialist Teacher to help develop its curriculum and support pupils in building valuable practical skills and independence.

The successful candidate will deliver engaging Food/DT lessons to pupils aged 8–16 across Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 in a small-class specialist setting. Applications are welcome from qualified and unqualified teachers with strong subject knowledge and practical teaching experience.

Role Overview

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Location: Hammersmith, London

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Contract: Part-time, permanent

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Working Pattern: Approximately 1–2 days per week, with days to be confirmed

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Salary: £29,336–£42,429 FTE (unqualified scale) or £41,729–£54,131 FTE (qualified scale), pro rata

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Proposed Start: 1 December 2026, subject to registration and opening arrangements

Salary will depend on qualifications, teaching status and relevant experience.

The Role

You will plan and deliver practical lessons covering food preparation, nutrition, design and making, while developing pupils' subject knowledge, confidence and independence. You will adapt teaching to meet individual SEND, communication and sensory needs, working closely with class teachers and Teaching Assistants.

You will also be responsible for maintaining high standards of kitchen safety, including food hygiene, allergy and dietary requirements, safe equipment use and appropriate risk assessments. The role includes contributing to the wider school day, safeguarding and curriculum development.

There may also be opportunities to develop enrichment activities such as cooking projects, healthy-living activities and garden-to-plate learning.

Requirements

Essential:

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Strong practical Food/DT knowledge and experience teaching or training children and young people.

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Confidence delivering practical Food Technology sessions safely, including managing allergies, dietary needs, hygiene and equipment.

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Level 2 Food Safety/Food Hygiene qualification, or willingness to obtain one before independently leading practical lessons.

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Current allergy/anaphylaxis training, or willingness to complete this before independently leading practical lessons.

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Ability to adapt learning to individual SEND needs, carry out practical risk assessments and follow safeguarding procedures.

Desirable:

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QTS/QTLS.

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Experience in a SEND or specialist school setting.

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Experience delivering practical qualifications such as GCSE, Entry Level, BTEC or AQA Unit Awards.

What the Setting Offers

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Small classes of up to five pupils, supporting individualised learning.

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The opportunity to help shape a new school's curriculum and practical learning provision.

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A focus on safeguarding, SEND support and professional development.

About UCM Education

UCM Education specialises in placing teachers and support staff in schools and nurseries throughout the UK. We are an Equal Opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

Please note: due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.

Apply Now

If you have strong practical Food/DT expertise and are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV for consideration.

Important Information: This is a proposed independent special school, with its DfE registration application pending. Any appointment and proposed start date are subject to successful registration, satisfactory safer-recruitment checks and confirmed opening arrangements. The successful candidate will also be required to complete the relevant enhanced DBS and statutory safeguarding checks
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed