Catering & Food Tech LSA

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a brand-new “Introduction to Catering” course, creating a hands-on learning experience that genuinely engages young people.
You’ll be working with learners aged 15–25, many of whom have SEND or SEMH needs, helping them develop confidence through practical, real-life catering and hospitality tasks.
The setting includes an onsite café, giving you the chance to bring learning to life in a way that feels real, purposeful and rewarding.
This isn’t about perfect recipes — it’s about helping learners take small steps, build routines, and experience success in a supportive environment.
👉 You’ll be the person helping them reach those “lightbulb moments” where confidence starts to grow.
What you’ll be doing

• Planning and delivering engaging, practical sessions across an Entry Level–Level 1 catering curriculum
• Using the onsite café as a real-life learning environment
• Teaching key skills such as:
  • food preparation & basic cooking techniques
  • kitchen safety & hygiene
  • teamwork and communication
  • customer service and how a café operates
• Supporting learners to build confidence, independence and employability skills
• Embedding Maths & English naturally (e.g. measuring, timings, money handling)
• Creating a calm, structured environment that supports learners with additional needs
• Using a trauma-informed, relational approach to behaviour and engagement
• Tracking progress, attendance and individual outcomes
• Working closely with LSAs, pastoral staff and other tutors
• Supporting learners with next steps, including hospitality pathways and work experience
• Communicating with families and external professionals where appropriate

What they’re looking for

• Experience in catering, hospitality or working in a kitchen
  (or experience supporting young people, alongside a passion for food and practical learning)
• A genuine enthusiasm for helping young people build confidence through hands-on activities
• Experience teaching, mentoring or coaching — or a willingness to develop these skills
• A calm, patient and encouraging approach
• An interest in supporting learners with SEND / SEMH
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills (Microsoft 365)

💡 A Level 3 Award in Education & Training and Level 2 Food Hygiene are desirable, but support can be provided to gain these.
Why this role stands out

• You’ll shape and lead your own course from the ground up
• Access to a real café environment to bring learning to life
• Smaller groups and a more personalised approach
• A strong focus on confidence-building, routine and real-life skills
• A chance to move from industry into education while keeping that hands-on impact

About the provision This is an alternative education setting supporting young people aged 15–25 who may not thrive in mainstream environments.
Learners are often referred from:

• secondary schools
• PRUs
• specialist SEN settings

The provision focuses on practical learning, personal development and employability, alongside Functional Skills in Maths and English.
A trauma-informed approach underpins everything, creating a safe, supportive space where young people can re-engage with learning.
Safeguarding & application At Supply Hive, safeguarding is a top priority. All candidates will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough referencing in line with safer recruitment practices.
All applicants must have the appropriate qualifications, training and Right to Work in the UK. Pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay.
Ready to make a difference? If you’re looking for a role where your experience can genuinely change young people’s futures, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply today or get in touch with our team to find out more.
Not quite the right fit? We work with a wide range of schools and alternative provisions across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. You can view all our live roles at:
🌐 www.supplyhive.co.uk