Technician (Food and Cookery)

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £6,047 to £6,143 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,583 - £25,989 full time/full year equivalent) Part Time: 10 hours per week (Working days can be discussed at interview but would ideally be 2 hours each morning Monday to Friday.) Working Weeks: 39 weeks Start Date: October 2026 This role will be based at Charles Darwin Primary (81 Rose Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1DJ), working with Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils from both Charles Darwin Primary and Jane Austen College. We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised, and reliable food and cookery technician with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with pupils from Charles Darwin Primary and Jane Austen College. If you are enthusiastic about food and enjoy inspiring others, this is a great opportunity to use your experience and develop your skills within a friendly team. As well as providing general support to the department, you will assist in lessons and must therefore be able to relate well to both staff and students. You will be well-organised and a team player with the ability to work independently. This role may also be suitable for recent higher or further education graduates, as well as more experienced candidates. Relevant experience within a school setting is desirable although appropriate training will be provided. If you think that you have the skills and attributes for this exciting role we would be pleased to hear from you. What You Will Be Doing To provide support to food & nutrition teaching staff. Under the overall direction and control of the Food and Cookery teacher and in accordance with the procedure of the school, work with teaching staff to support the teaching and learning in the department by ensuring the effective preparation, maintenance and storage of equipment, ingredients, furniture and undertake learning activities with students and teachers. Be responsible for ingredient rotation and ordering. Monitor and promote good hygiene and health and safety within food, working with the lessons. About You: The successful candidate will possess strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as good communication skills. You will be meticulous, organised, reliable, adaptable, and have a solid grasp of food fundamentals, alongside the practical ability to deliver experiments and follow strict safety protocols. Essential: Minimum GCSE English and Maths (grade C or above) or equivalent Ability to deliver practical experiments with elements of the theory surrounding food and nutrition Confidence in managing groups of pupils completing individual, independent cooking tasks Effective time management and the establishment of routines which ensure the Food room is tidy and clean so that food hygiene levels are maintained Desirable: Food Safety and Hygiene certification preferred though this can be completed at Level 1 through the centre. First Aid trained. Effective use of Planning, Preparation and Assessment time to complete relevant tasks including administration tasks such as organising recipes and communication home. Why Join Inspiration Trust At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be. We offer: Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs * Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). * Free parking at most sites Personalised CPD and development programmes A structured and specific induction programme. *Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation. About Us Charles Darwin Primary School and Nursery is a free school located in the heart of Norwich which opened in September 2016. The school was rated outstanding by Ofsted in June 2019 for overall effectiveness and has maintained success in their first ungraded inspection in April 2025. Children who graduate from Charles Darwin are resilient, independent, and confident individuals who express themselves creatively and value their place in the world. They benefit from a wealth of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them stay happy, engaged, and inspired to learn. The school offers an innovative curriculum that encourages every child to thrive, combinin