Program Overview

Advanced Certificate of Professional Development in Food Education

Introduction

The Advanced Certificate of Professional Development in Food Education is a unique short course created in collaboration with Leiths Education and the Food Teachers Centre. This Level 7 certificate offers a hands-on, practical approach to mastering food education.

Course Details

• Places: Limited places, with confirmation upon receipt of payment.
• Cost/Delivery: Ł2970, with options for monthly or two intensive weeks.
• Intensive Weeks: February and March 2026 (specific dates provided below).
• Start Date: March 2026.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for:

• Teachers: Those teaching food education in schools.
• Aspiring food educators: Teachers looking to upskill or specialize in food and nutrition.
• Schools: School staff with classroom experience looking to upskill to teach/support food and nutrition.
• Culinary: Experienced chefs and culinary professionals with industry experience.

Course Structure

The programme is structured into 10 practical subject teaching days, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to confidently design curricula, manage food rooms, and deliver engaging, safe, and effective food lessons.

Outcomes

Upon completing the 10-day programme, participants will gain:

• A Level 7 Advanced Certificate of Professional Development in Food Education.
• Comprehensive skills in setting up and managing a food education curriculum.
• Practical know-how for teaching food safety, food science, and other core topics.
• Confidence in preparing for interviews and teaching assessments in the field of food education.
• A master-level qualification with 30 credits, provided the student has a degree.

Timetable

The programme consists of 10 sessions:

1. Introduction: Subject orientation and the art of demonstration.
2. Designing a food curriculum and cross-curricular teaching through food.
3. Setting up a food department and building a cost-effective scheme of work.
4. Managing a practical food room and setting up a practical lesson.
5. Health and safety, and incorporating food safety into lessons.
6. Practical food lessons, incorporating food science into lessons.
7. Practical food lessons, incorporating food science into lessons.
8. Assessment, progression of skills, and differentiation.
9. GCSE non-exam assessments (NEA).
10. Preparing for a practical interview task and interview.

Dates

• 2026:
  • Cohort 1: 16-20 February, 26-30 May.
  • Cohort 2: 30-31 March, 1, 9-10 April, 3-7 August.
• 2026/2027:
  • Cohort 1 (monthly): 23 October, 13 November, 4 December, 8 and 22 January, 26 February, 19 March, 23 April, 14 May, 11 June.
  • Cohort 2 (intensive weeks): 26-30 October 2026, 15-19 February 2027.