Food Technician

About the role

Job description

• The Food Technician provides high-quality technical, organisational and practical support for the Food Preparation and Nutrition department. The postholder should ensure that ingredients, equipment and teaching spaces are ready for effective learning; supports safe practical work; and helps maintain a calm, hygienic and well-organised environment in which students can develop confidence, independence and practical food skills.

• To contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the Academy.

• Prepare, weigh, portion, label and organise food ingredients required for practical lessons, demonstrations, assessments, clubs and other departmental activities.

• Set out suitable equipment, utensils, appliances and resources in advance of lessons, following teachers' instructions and schemes of work.

• Prepare demonstration areas and, where requested, assist with the preparation of exemplar dishes, samples or visual resources.

• Check lesson requirements in advance and inform teaching staff promptly of shortages, substitutions, equipment faults or other concerns.

• Support the orderly collection, distribution and return of ingredients and equipment before, during and after practical sessions.

• Assist with the organisation of ingredients and equipment for GCSE practical assessments and controlled assessment-related activities, in line with relevant examination requirements and staff direction.

B. Support during practical sessions

• Provide practical support to teaching staff and students during Food Preparation and Nutrition lessons, while working under the direction of the class teacher.

• Reinforce safe and hygienic working routines, including correct use of equipment, cleaning procedures and prevention of cross-contamination.

• Offer appropriate practical guidance that helps students develop skills, independence and confidence without replacing the teacher's role or completing assessed work for them.

• Support individual students and small groups when directed, including students with additional needs, by clarifying routines, helping them organise their workspace and encouraging safe participation.

• Respond calmly and promptly to minor spills, breakages and practical issues, and immediately report accidents, hazards, unsafe behaviour or safeguarding concerns to the appropriate member of staff.

• Maintain consistently high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in food rooms, preparation areas, storage spaces, refrigerators, freezers, sinks, work surfaces and shared equipment.

• Ensure aprons, tea towels and dish cloths are washed and ready for use daily.

• Complete routine cleaning and disinfection tasks before and after practical work, following food-safe cleaning schedules and relevant risk assessments.

• Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures, food storage, date labels, allergen information and stock rotation, keeping accurate records where required.

• Follow safe procedures for food handling, storage and disposal, including separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods and management of allergen risks.

• Check that equipment is safe and suitable for use; remove defective items from service, label them clearly and report faults promptly.

• Ensure emergency and safety equipment is accessible and report any concerns relating to first-aid supplies, fire safety, electrical safety or gas appliances through the Academy's procedures.

• Contribute to departmental risk assessments, COSHH records, hygiene checks and other health and safety documentation as directed.

• Maintain an accurate and orderly inventory of ingredients, consumables, utensils, small equipment and other departmental resources.

• Check stock levels regularly; identify future needs; prepare orders for authorisation; and liaise with approved suppliers in accordance with Academy purchasing procedures.

• Receive and check deliveries for quantity, quality, damage, use-by dates, temperature and accuracy, reporting discrepancies promptly.

• Rotate stock using first-in, first-out principles and dispose of unsuitable food and waste safely, responsibly and in line with Academy procedures.

• Clean, inspect and carry out permitted routine care of equipment, arranging repair or servicing through the designated member of staff when required.

• Organise cupboards, stores and preparation areas so that resources are clearly labelled, secure, accessible and easy to audit.

• Support cost control by monitoring waste, portioning accurately, seeking value for money and maintaining appropriate records of expenditure or lesson costs.

• Work closely with the Curriculum Leader and teaching staff to plan technical support and anticipate departmental needs.

• Assist with displays, open evenings, enrichment activities, food clubs, educational visits, special events and transition activities where reasonably required.

• Contribute to the development of efficient departmental systems, cleaning schedules, stock records and safe operating procedures.

• Participate in relevant training, meetings, performance development and whole-Academy activities appropriate to the role.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle information in accordance with data-protection requirements and Academy policies.

• Undertake other duties consistent with the nature and level of the post, as reasonably directed by the line manager or Headteacher.
  This is not an exhaustive list of duties; they may be varied from time to time without changing the general character of the job or the level of responsibility. A high degree of flexibility and adaptability is an important element of this role.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. This role will be reviewed annually as part of the performance appraisal process and the post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.

Westfield Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young people. To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person specification