Cooking Instructor/Teacher role delivering hands-on vocational cookery and life-skills programmes to 14–19 year olds with SEMH needs at Heath Farm College (Outcomes First Group) in Maidstone. You'll teach up to Level 2 qualifications in small classes, tailoring learning to EHCP outcomes and building students’ confidence and independence. Standout perk: term-time-only permanent contract with a strong benefits package (wellbeing support, discounts, Cycle to Work).
- Permanent, term-time only contract
- Small class sizes
- Life assurance and pension scheme
At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work
Job Title: Cooking Instructor/Teacher
Location
Heath Farm College, Maidstone, ME16 0ERHours: 25.5 hours per week | Wednesday to Friday
Salary
Up to £18,424,26 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications, not pro rata)Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
We're seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Cooking Instructor / Teacher to join our specialist education team, delivering engaging vocational cooking programmes and practical life skills to young people aged 14–19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Every lesson is an opportunity to build confidence, celebrate success and help students prepare for adulthood, employment and independent living. Whether your background is in education, professional catering, hospitality or the food industry, this could be the rewarding career you've been looking for.
Working with small class sizes, you'll tailor learning to individual needs, supporting students to achieve recognised vocational qualifications while developing essential everyday skills, whether you're introducing healthy eating, baking, budgeting or employability skills, you'll play a key role in helping young people realise their potential.
What you will be doing
- Deliver engaging practical cooking and food preparation lessons to small groups of students.
- Teach vocational cooking, catering and food preparation qualifications up to Level 2.
- Support students to develop independence through practical life skills including meal planning, shopping, budgeting and healthy living.
- Adapt learning to meet individual EHCP outcomes and pesonal development goals.
- Assess student progress and celebrate achievements.
- Promote food hygiene, kitchen safety and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Maintain a safe, organised and fully compliant teaching kitchen.
What you will bring
Essential
- Holds a Level 3 qualification (or above) in Professional Cookery, Catering, Hospitality, Food Preparation, Nutrition or a related subject.
- A teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, AET, PTLLS, DTLLS or equivalent).
- An Assessor qualification (TAQA, A1, D32/33 or equivalent).
- Food Hygiene certification.
- Has excellent practical cooking and food preparation skills.
- Can motivate and inspire young people through hands-on learning.
- Is organised, creative and able to adapt lessons to meet individual learning needs.
- Understands food hygiene, kitchen safety and best practice.
- Is patient, resilient and passionate about helping young people succeed.
- Shares our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and personalised education.
- Driving licence required
Desirable
- Experience delivering vocational qualifications.
- Experience in catering, hospitality or the food service industry.
- Experience working with young people aged 14–19, particularly those with SEMH or additional needs.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.
About Us
We are an independent specialist sixth form college that caters for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. We offer a unique and stimulating environment where every student is able to make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education.
Heath Farm College is situated in Maidstone and has capacity to support up to 58 students. The provision facilitates a professional post 16 provision for students with EHCPs who are not ready for a large FE college or large school/academy 6th Form provision.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
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.
Why Join Us?
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
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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