Food Studies Teacher

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join .

Food Studies Teacher

Location: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience, not pro rata) plus £1,000 Welcome Bonus (T&Cs apply)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: October 2025 or sooner
UK applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship

About the Role

Due to growth, Groveside School is looking for a creative and enthusiastic Food Studies Teacher to join our friendly team. You'll play an important role in developing pupils' practical and life skills, inspiring confidence and independence through engaging and hands-on lessons.

You'll plan and deliver Food Studies across the school, ensuring lessons are tailored to the needs and abilities of each learner. Working with a supportive staff team, you'll help every pupil achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver inspiring Food Studies lessons for pupils aged 7-19.
• Develop and coordinate the subject across key stages.
• Adapt learning to meet pupils' individual needs and EHCP targets.
• Foster a calm, safe, and engaging learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to enhance learning and wellbeing.
• Promote positive behaviour and independence in all pupils.

About You

We're looking for a teacher who is:

• Passionate about Food Studies and inclusive education.
• Creative, adaptable, and committed to helping every pupil succeed.
• Resilient, approachable, and a strong communicator.
• Confident in supporting learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience planning and delivering engaging lessons
• Strong organisational and IT skills

At Groveside, you'll be part of a warm, dedicated team that values collaboration, growth, and creativity. Supporting pupils with complex needs is incredibly rewarding - and you'll make a genuine difference every day.

About the school

Groveside School is a Brand-New Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.

To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To develop your career.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education for pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Welcome Bonus: £1,000 payable in two instalments - £500 after three months and £500 upon successful completion of final probation. Repayment terms apply if you leave within 12 months ( T&Cs apply ).

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.