Location: England
Salary: £24,000–£27,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: 2 November 2026
About the School
We are recruiting on behalf of an independent specialist SEN school supporting young people aged 11–19 who benefit from a small, nurturing and therapeutic learning environment.
The school supports students who have experienced challenges within mainstream education, providing a safe and supportive setting where individual needs are understood and students are encouraged to develop their confidence, independence and skills.
The Role
The school is seeking an organised, practical and reliable Science Lab & Food Technology Technician to join its team on a full-time, permanent basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in Science, Food Technology or practical learning who would enjoy helping teachers deliver engaging, safe and purposeful lessons.
You will be responsible for preparing laboratories and Food Technology rooms, organising equipment and resources, maintaining high standards of health and safety, and ensuring practical learning environments are clean, safe and ready for use. You will also support students during practical activities, helping them develop their skills and confidence.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare Science laboratories and Food Technology rooms for practical lessons and demonstrations.
Organise and prepare scientific equipment, chemicals, specimens, ingredients and other learning resources.
Support teachers with practical experiments, demonstrations and food preparation activities.
Maintain clean, safe and well-organised laboratories, kitchens and practical learning spaces.
Check equipment regularly and report any faults, damage or health and safety concerns.
Ensure chemicals and hazardous materials are handled, stored and disposed of safely in accordance with COSHH requirements and school procedures.
Maintain appropriate food hygiene standards, including safe food storage, allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.
Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering equipment, ingredients and consumables.
Maintain accurate records relating to stock, equipment, safety checks and relevant procedures.
Support risk assessments and promote safe working practices.
Assist students during practical activities, encouraging safe participation, independence and confidence.
Prepare resources for future lessons, displays, school events and extracurricular activities.Candidate Requirements
We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has a methodical approach and understands the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
A practical, hands-on and methodical approach to preparing resources and equipment.
An understanding of health and safety, hygiene and safe working practices.
The ability to work independently, use initiative and manage competing priorities.
Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teaching staff.
A calm, patient and approachable manner when supporting young people.
An understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and confidentiality.
A willingness to learn and adapt to the needs of students with SEND and SEMH.Desirable Experience and Qualifications:
Previous experience working as a Science Technician, Laboratory Technician, Food Technology Technician or in a similar practical role.
Experience working within a school, college, laboratory, kitchen or other practical environment.
Experience supporting young people, particularly in SEND or SEMH settings.
A relevant qualification or training in Science, Food Technology, Laboratory Practice or Food Hygiene.
Knowledge of COSHH requirements and CLEAPSS guidance.Training may be available where appropriate, so candidates with relevant practical experience and a willingness to develop their skills are encouraged to apply.
What the School Offers
A full-time, permanent position within a supportive specialist educational setting.
A competitive salary of £24,000–£27,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
The opportunity to contribute to engaging, practical learning experiences for young people.
The chance to help students develop valuable life skills, confidence and independence.
Access to staff wellbeing services, including confidential helpline support, counselling, virtual GP services and digital wellbeing resources.
A paid volunteer day to support a cause that matters to you.Safeguarding & Compliance
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including:
Enhanced DBS check.
Verification of identity and right to work in the UK.
Verification of qualifications and employment history, where applicable.
Any additional statutory or school-required checks appropriate to the role.Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
If you are a practical, organised and motivated individual who enjoys creating safe learning environments and would like to make a positive difference to young people, we would welcome your application.
Apply today to be considered for this rewarding opportunity within a specialist SEN/SEMH school.
We have a policy to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to reply to individual enquiries. If we have not contacted you within this specified time your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Philosophy Education is a Recruitment Business and is advertising this vacancy on behalf of one of its clients
Salary description
£24000.00 - £27000.00 per year