Food Technology HLTA – SEN School (SEMH & Behaviour Needs)Location: Leeds (commutable from Wakefield, Bradford, Pudsey & surrounding areas)Job Type: Full-time, PermanentSalary: £110 – £140 per day (dependent on experience)Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pmStart Date: September 2026 (earlier start considered)
Love Cooking but Want Better Hours?
Are you passionate about food, cooking, and inspiring young people? Ready to leave behind late nights and weekend shifts in hospitality?
This is a unique opportunity to bring your culinary skills into education and make a real difference. We are recruiting a Food Technology HLTA for a specialist SEN setting in Leeds, supporting Key Stage 3 and 4 students with SEMH needs, autism, and behavioural challenges.
You’ll play a key role in helping students develop confidence, independence, and essential life skills through engaging, hands‑on cooking sessions.
About the Role
In this role, you will lead practical, engaging cooking sessions designed to support both learning and emotional development, focusing on:
- Building life skills, independence, and confidence through food preparation
- Encouraging students to try new foods and develop healthy habits
- Delivering hands‑on, accessible cooking sessions tailored to SEMH learners
- Creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
- Supporting students to re‑engage with education and achieve success
Key Responsibilities
- Lead small group cooking sessions for KS3 and KS4 students
- Plan and deliver simple, creative recipes (beyond basic baking)
- Support students with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
- Use de‑escalation and behaviour strategies to maintain engagement
- Order ingredients and manage kitchen resources effectively
- Prepare and organise daily breakfast provision
- Deliver and support BTEC Home Cooking Skills Level 2 (training provided if needed)
- Promote food safety, hygiene, and nutrition
- Work closely with teaching and pastoral teams
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in cooking, catering, or hospitality
- Experience working with young people, SEMH, or challenging behaviour
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach
- Strong behaviour management and relationship‑building skills
- Ability to create a positive and structured learning environment
- HLTA qualification (or willingness to work towards it)
- Level 2 Food Hygiene (or willingness to obtain)
- Interest in supporting vulnerable young people to succeed
Why Join This School?
- Competitive pay: £110 – £140 per day
- Term‑time only – no evenings or weekends
- Permanent opportunity in a specialist setting
- Ongoing CPD and training (SEMH, behaviour, trauma‑informed practice)
- Supportive and experienced staff team
- Opportunity to combine practical skills with meaningful impact
- Be part of a setting focused on growth, support, and empowerment
Ideal Candidates
This role is ideal for:
- HLTAs or experienced Teaching Assistants
- Chefs or hospitality professionals seeking a career change
- Behaviour Mentors or Youth Workers
- Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, or Education
- Anyone passionate about food, SEMH, and supporting young people
Safeguarding
This role is subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Apply for this Food Technology HLTA role in Leeds
If you’re ready to inspire young people through cooking and help them build skills for life, apply today or contact:
Samuel Agbanasamuel.agbana@milk-education.co.uk0113 418 0100
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