Food Technician at River Academy

Job Reference #: EDV/2026/RA/37831

Location:

7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Contract Type:
Permanent

Contract Term:
Part‑time

Salary: £13,544.00 annually (Actual). Grade 4 (SCP 7‑11) working Term Time only plus 5 INSET days 22.20 hours per week. FTE £26,402

Hours per week: 22.60

Positions available: 1

Closing date:
Midnight, Mon 15th Jun 2026

Start date:

September 2026

River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way.

River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

River Academy is seeking to appoint a Food Technician to support the safe, smooth and efficient operation of practical Food lessons. There may be requirements to support other departments s is a practical and important role, preparing materials and equipment, maintaining resources, supporting demonstrations and helping ensure that students can take part in high-quality practical learning safely and effectively. The postholder will work closely with teaching colleagues to support curriculum delivery and maintain organised, safe and well‑equipped practical teaching environments.

• Prepare, assemble and modify apparatus, materials and equipment required for practical lessons.
• Support teaching colleagues with demonstrations, practical activities and assessed practical work.
• Provide technical guidance to colleagues and students on the safe and correct use of materials and equipment.
• Organise, store and check equipment and materials, ensuring they are safe, available and fit for purpose.
• Support compliance with Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH regulations.
• Carry out technician‑related risk assessments and report any concerns promptly.
• Dispose of waste materials safely and in line with relevant regulations.
• Maintain first aid kits and relevant safety equipment, carrying out safety checks where required.
• Support inclusive access to practical activities by ensuring equipment and resources are prepared and accessible for students.
• Work collaboratively with teaching and support colleagues to maintain high standards across the department.

The successful candidate will be organised, practical and proactive, with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. They will be able to manage competing tasks, maintain orderly working environments and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

They will have knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH regulations, and be confident in supporting the safe handling, storage and disposal of materials. Strong communication skills are important, as the role involves working with colleagues and students to support safe and effective practical learning.

An NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in science or technology is required. First aid training is desirable.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.