Teaching Assistant - Food Technology

Beech Hall School Ltd; Chipping Barnet; On-site; GBP 16,000 - GBP 20,000; Part time

Job summary

A nurturing co-educational day school in Barnet is looking for a Food Technology Teaching Assistant to join their team. This role involves aiding in practical cooking lessons, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and ensuring the safe preparation of food. Strong communication, organisational skills, and a collaborative approach are essential. Safeguarding and student welfare are priorities, with the ideal candidate possessing an understanding of food safety practices and a positive attitude. This position offers a permanent contract during term time with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively with children during practical lessons.
• Strong understanding of kitchen hygiene and safety practices.
• Reliable and able to manage resources efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Assist with practical sessions in the Food Technology Department.
• Prepare lessons and maintain a safe learning environment.
• Manage stock and carry out routine health checks.

Skills

Effective communication with children

Understanding of safe food preparation

Organizational skills

Ability to support students with additional needs

Education

Training in Food Technology or related field

First aid certification

Job description

Location: Mount House School, Barnet, North London
Salary: £19,650 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week (Part-Time can also be considered)
Contract: Permanent, 36 weeks per year

About Mount House School

Mount House School is a small, nurturing co‑educational day school in Barnet, North London. With a maximum of sixty students per year group, every child is known, cherished and challenged, enabling them to flourish across academic and co-curricular life.

Set within a beautiful Georgian house opposite Hadley Common, the school offers a unique blend of countryside calm and easy access to London’s cultural opportunities. Education has been the heart of this setting since 1940, and since becoming fully co‑educational in 2022, Mount House has continued to develop as a community that values individuality, creativity and academic ambition.

The school emphasises exceptional pastoral care and a “small is beautiful” ethos, where relationships are strong, support is personalised, and every student is empowered to reach their full potential. Our vision - Be You. Belong. Become. Is underpinned by the values of authenticity, confidence, community, compassion, aspiration and growth.

About the Role

As a Food Technology Teaching Assistant, you will play an essential role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the Food Technology Department. Working closely with the teacher, you will help prepare fully resourced, well‑organised lessons and maintain a safe, hygienic and supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

You will assist pupils during practical sessions, support those with specific needs such as fine motor challenges and help maintain the highest standards of health and safety. Your work will include preparing equipment, setting up demonstrations, checking ovens and utensils, managing laundry, washing and storing equipment, and ensuring all tools, knives and ingredients are ready for use.

Beyond supporting lessons, you will manage stock, complete routine administration, maintain resources, and carry out daily health and safety tasks such as fridge temperature checks, cleaning schedules and safe storage of cooked dishes. You will also respond to minor incidents, ensuring pupils’ wellbeing and helping them complete their practical work successfully.

Safeguarding and student welfare will be at the heart of this role. You will comply with all safeguarding procedures, report concerns promptly, and engage fully in required training. Your contribution will help maintain a vibrant, well‑functioning department where students can develop practical skills, creativity and confidence.

Who We Are Looking For

• Ability to work effectively with children and young people during practical lessons
• Strong understanding of safe food preparation and kitchen practices
• Confident supporting students with hands‑on tasks, including those with additional needs
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Ability to maintain high standards of hygiene, safety and resource management
• Reliable, flexible and able to work efficiently in a busy environment
• Professional, positive and collaborative approach

Other Qualities

• Warm, approachable and patient when supporting students
• Sense of humour and willingness to contribute to a supportive team culture
• Alignment with the school’s values and community ethos
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or training in first aid
• Further study or qualifications related to Food Technology, catering or education
• Additional practical or creative skills that can enhance the department

Early applications are encouraged as the school may close the advert early.

Mount House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, verification of identity and right to work in the UK, and satisfactory references.