HLTA Food - West Alternative Provision College

About Us

West Sussex Alternative Provision College (WSAPC) is an educational establishment based across the county on seven separate sites, providing education for pupils who are permanently excluded, at risk of exclusion or too ill to attend school. Our ethos is to provide FOCUS (Future, Opportunities, Curriculum, Us, School) for our pupils to re‑engage them in their learning and support re‑integration to mainstream provision.

We are seeking a committed and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a specialism in Food and Cook & Eat provision to join our dedicated team. This is a unique opportunity to combine practical food education, pastoral support, and targeted interventions to re‑engage pupils in learning.

As a Food HLTA, you will:

• Plan and deliver practical food lessons and cookery sessions, building essential life skills
• Deliver targeted interventions (1:1 and small group) to support engagement and progress
• Use food education as a tool to develop confidence, independence, and wellbeing
• Support pupils’ reintegration into mainstream or next‑stage provision
• The role blends teaching, mentoring, and pastoral support, making it ideal for someone passionate about holistic education.

• Deliver high‑quality Cook and Eat sessions, promoting food preparation skills and healthy living
• Ensure high standards of health, safety, and hygiene in all practical activities
• Adapt sessions to meet diverse learning needs and abilities
• Use food education to reinforce literacy, numeracy, and life skills

• Plan and deliver structured interventions with measurable outcomes
• Support pupils to access learning using adaptive strategies
• Promote self‑regulation, resilience, and independence
• Contribute to individual plans (IEPs, behaviour plans, SEND support plans)

• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
• Use trauma‑informed and relational approaches to manage behaviour
• Provide consistent pastoral support and act as a positive role model
• Support emotional wellbeing and engagement in education

• Work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team to coordinate support
• Liaise with parents/carers and external professionals
• Maintain accurate records of interventions and pupil progress

• HLTA qualification (or equivalent experience)
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)
• Experience working with pupils with SEND/SEMH needs
• Ability to deliver engaging practical food sessions
• Strong behaviour management and communication skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion

• Experience in alternative provision or PRU settings
• Food hygiene certification or relevant food qualifications
• Experience delivering structured interventions
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice

• Opportunity to make a real impact on vulnerable young people
• Work within a supportive, multi‑disciplinary team
• Access to ongoing CPD in SEND, behaviour, and intervention strategies
• Be part of a provision that values relationships, inclusion, and innovation

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to pre‑employment checks, including references, social media check, and Disclosure & Barring Service check.

WSAPC is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications for all vacancies from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.