Unqualified Teacher to teach Food Technology

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Unqualified Teacher to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who require additional emotional, behavioural, and social support to succeed in education.

The successful candidate will primarily deliver Food Technology and Design Technology (DT) lessons, supporting learners to develop practical skills, confidence, and engagement through hands-on, creative learning.

You will be working with pupils who may present with a range of needs including SEMH difficulties, autism, ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, and disengagement from learning.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver engaging Food Technology and DT lessons, following school schemes of work

Adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEMH needs

Create a safe, structured, and positive practical learning environment

Manage behaviour effectively using consistent, trauma-informed approaches

Support pupils in developing life skills, independence, and vocational interests

Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, SEN staff, and pastoral teams

Contribute to EHCP targets and individual learning plans

Maintain high standards of health and safety in practical/food preparation environments

About You:

We are looking for someone who is:

Passionate about working with young people with SEMH needs

Calm, resilient, and able to build strong, positive relationships

Confident in delivering or supporting practical lessons (Food Tech/DT)

Flexible and able to adapt teaching approaches to individual learners

Strong in behaviour management and classroom routines

Committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners

Desirable (not essential):

Experience in SEMH, PRU, alternative provision, or SEND settings

Background in Food Technology, Design Technology, catering, or trade skills

Experience working with challenging behaviour or youth work

Willingness to work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

At Portland School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. We are a split site school with two provisions to meet different needs, one at Trent Vale one at Blythe Bridge.  We have an amazing staff team who work tirelessly to support approximately 140 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.  

As a specialist school our pupils benefit from smaller class sizes, a more practical curriculum, access to alternative accreditations and a highly trained staff team. Both sites have spacious grounds allowing us to provide outdoor education, with our Blythe Bridge site boasting specialist classrooms for