Food Technology and Life skills Teacher / Instructor

In this hands-on, highly rewarding role, you'll lead engaging lessons in Food Technology and Life Skills, helping pupils aged 11-19 develop essential knowledge for adulthood. You may also teach complementary subjects such as PSHE and Independent Living Skills, where natural crossover supports a holistic curriculum. As part of our commitment to personalised pathways, you'll have the opportunity to help shape BTEC or other accreditation routes, including catering or hospitality qualifications, ensuring pupils can pursue their interests and future ambitions. You'll work closely with our Quality of Education team, designing accessible, trauma-informed lessons that spark curiosity and build confidence. You'll maintain a calm, purposeful classroom environment and use relational approaches to support learners with a wide range of needs. What You'll Do

• Deliver engaging, well-structured Food Technology and Life Skills lessons with clear objectives, progression and differentiation for a wide range of abilities.
• Plan short-, medium- and long-term curriculum content that aligns with whole-school aims, behaviour policies and national curriculum expectations.
• Use IEPs, assessment data and prior attainment to set ambitious, personalised targets and adapt teaching to secure strong pupil progress.
• Create a calm, purposeful and stimulating learning environment with well-organised resources and displays that enhance learning.
• Monitor, assess and record pupil achievement, using this information to guide next steps, identify underachievement and implement effective interventions.
• Build strong, positive relationships with parents/carers, external agencies and community partners to support learning and broaden pupils' experiences.
• Manage resources efficiently, ensuring safe, well-maintained equipment and exploring opportunities to introduce new tools and technologies.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contributing to whole-school development, professional learning and a consistent, trauma-informed approach.
  
  Qualified (PGCE/QTS or equivalent) - ECTs welcome (We can also consider unqualified candidates for an Instructor role).
• Experienced in Food Technology, Home Economics, Life Skills, or related subjects.
• Confident with digital tools and open to learning new systems.
• Skilled in planning, adapting and differentiating lessons for a wide range of abilities.
• Passionate about supporting pupils with SEND and/or SEMH needs.
• Creative, collaborative and committed to inclusive education.
• Keen to contribute to enrichment activities and digital learning projects.
  
  Ashley Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Epsom, Surrey, for autistic young people aged 11-19, with a capacity for 60 pupils.
We provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Personalised teaching, differentiated lessons, and tailored therapeutic support ensure each pupil's unique needs and abilities are met. Our curriculum combines academic study, vocational pathways, and life skills, preparing young people to achieve their full potential and future aspirations. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

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