Vocational Studies Technician

How would you like to be paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

We're proud to be taking part in a 4-Day Working Week Trial, meaning you could work one day less a week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. If successful, this will be rolled out across the Group - so there's never been a better time to join .

Position: Vocational Learning Support Technician
Location: Red Kite School, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0JW
Salary: £24,500 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm

About Us

Red Kite School is a brand-new, purpose-built independent SEN school, designed to support up to 60 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Set in the beautiful market town of Princes Risborough, it's a truly exciting time to join us as a founding member of staff and help shape a nurturing, inclusive learning environment from the ground up.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

About the Role

You'll play a key role in supporting both staff and students across a range of Vocational subjects, including Art, Design Technology, Construction, Catering, Science, Media and Computing.

Working closely under the direction of the Secondary/Vocational Lead, you'll:

• Organise, prepare, and maintain teaching spaces, resources and tools
• Support pupils in practical lessons, helping them stay engaged and safe
• Maintain workshop equipment and ensure all statutory safety checks are up to date
• Assist with classroom displays, ICT resources, and preparation of materials
• Work with staff to manage and safely store materials, chemicals, and equipment
• Provide general admin and practical support to teaching staff as required
• Accompany students and staff on off-site visits and trips

We're Looking For Someone Who Has:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)
• Experience working in a school or similar setting, ideally with SEN learners
• Strong organisational and practical skills, and confidence using tools/equipment
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn new skills (training provided)
• The ability to work as part of a collaborative, supportive team
• An understanding of or willingness to learn about Health & Safety, COSHH, and safeguarding procedures

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales