Job Description
Download printable version
Mid-Essex Co-operative Academy is seeking a dedicated, dynamic and adaptive Teacher (Food Technology / Hospitality and Catering) to deliver high quality educational provision to our children and young people, many with a range of SEND needs and experiences of trauma and adversity.
About the Role:
- Deliver high-quality, personalised teaching to ensure every child progresses from their starting point across our sites and at times online.
- Plan, assess and report on pupils' progress, working within a supportive, collaborative team.
- Model best practice in SEND provision and support the development of our inclusive learning environment.
- Take an active role in safeguarding, wellbeing, and supporting pupils' personal development.
- Serve as a Form Tutor, acting as a key contact for families and supporting pupils' wider learning and wellbeing.
What We Offer:
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Supportive leadership and staff wellbeing initiatives
- Involvement in academy improvement projects and collaborative working
- Commitment to fair, thorough and transparent pre-employment checks
- A culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and the highest standards of safeguarding
What We're Looking For:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Passion for inclusive education and supporting pupils with SEND, including trauma-perceptive practice
- Strong classroom practice and commitment to continuous professional development
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- High expectations for all pupils and a drive to help them succeed
Please read the full job description attached, listing the roles and responsibilites of this position, prior to applying.
Please note that interviews will take place on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
The following pre-employment checks will be required where applicable to the role and setting:
- receipt of satisfactory references
- verification of identity
- a satisfactory DBS disclosure if undertaking Regulated Activity
- verification that you not barred from working with Children
- verification that you are not prohibited from teaching
- verification of medical fitness for the particular role
- verification of qualifications and of professional status where required e.g. QTS status
- the production of evidence of the right to work in the UK
- verification of successful completion of/exemption from statutory induction period
- verification that you are not subject to a section 128 direction preventing you from holding a management position within a school (if applicable)
- a declaration that you are not disqualified from working with children by virtue of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2018 or that you have provided a valid disqualification waiver from Ofsted
In line with recommended practice in the statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education", the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available on-line. The purpose is limited:
- to identify issues which call into question the applicant's suitability to work with children;
- to verify employment history.
Only information related the purposes stated will be shared with the Panel. Any information will be discussed with candidates at interview before any decisions regarding the recruitment process are made.
Recruitment Statement
Keys Co Operative Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. The Trust complies with the statutory legislative requirements and guidance that seeks to protect children including 'Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance'. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. This includes the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting documents. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.
Keys Co Operative Academy recognises the value of, and seeks to achieve, a diverse workforce which includes people from all backgrounds. We take positive steps to create an employment culture in which people feel confident of being treated with fairness, dignity and tolerance irrespective of their individual differences. This is embedded through our co-operative values. This commitment extends beyond the relationship between and conduct of employees and potential employees, to the whole community. Keys Co Operative Academy Trust is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination and to the promotion of good relations.
Information about the School
Mid Essex Co-operative Academy is an 4 – 16 school for 135 young people most of whom have found it difficult to be successful in a mainstream school.
We are very proud of the provision we offer. Students are taught in small groups and they study the core curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and 4. In addition to the core curriculum, we provide rich and varied extended curriculum opportunities ranging from music therapy, targeted literacy intervention, horse riding to vocational courses and work experience placements. Small classes benefit students and enable them to make good progress as staff can ensure that learning is tailored to individual student needs.
At Key Stage 3, in partnership with local schools, we focus on supporting young people to return to a mainstream school. At Key Stage 4, we focus on providing the opportunity for students to gain 5 GCSEs to ensure a successful transition to post 16 education or training. Many of the young people who attend Mid Essex Co-operative Academy arrive here at a point of crisis or conflict in their lives. It is our aim to ensure that we help them to regain a sense of confidence and self-esteem which allows them to compete on equal terms with their peers, despite the disruption to their education caused by leaving mainstream school. We have an ongoing target that none of our Year 11 leavers are NEET (Not in education, employment or training) and we regularly maintain this excellent target.
The Primary unit for Key Stage 1 and 2 students is located in Witham. The school opened in January 2021. As with the secondary unit, this serves young people, most of whom have found it difficult to be successful in a mainstream school. We are very proud of the provision we offer. Students are taught in small groups and they study the core curriculum. In addition to the core curriculum, we provide rich and varied extended curriculum opportunities ranging from music therapy, targeted literacy intervention, horse riding to vocational courses and work experience placements. Small classes benefit students and enable them to make good progress as staff can ensure that learning is tailored to individual student needs.