Jessica Cooke
Bedford,Bedfordshire
Summary
Experienced and highly motivated professional with over 17 years’ experience working with children and young people in secondary education, including leadership responsibilities and extensive pastoral support. Skilled in building positive relationships, supporting behaviour, promoting engagement and creating environments that enable young people to achieve positive outcomes.
Experienced in identifying individual needs, monitoring progress and adapting approaches to support students with differing backgrounds, abilities and challenges. Confident working collaboratively with parents, carers and colleagues to support wellbeing, maintain safeguarding responsibilities and contribute to positive outcomes.
Strong communication, report writing and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, exercise professional judgement and maintain accurate records. Brings extensive experience of working with adolescents, alongside academic knowledge of behaviour change and a commitment to supporting positive and sustainable change.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Teacher of Food Technology
Hitchin Boys School
2023.09 - 2026.06
- Deliver KS3 Food Technology and WJEC Hospitality & Catering lessons to students with varied needs, abilities and levels of engagement.
- Plan and lead practical and theory-based learning while maintaining safe working practices, behaviour expectations and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Build positive relationships with students to encourage engagement, confidence, independence and participation in learning.
- Adapt teaching approaches and provide individual support to respond to differing needs and promote positive outcomes.
- Monitor progress, assess coursework and maintain accurate records in line with curriculum and examination requirements.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, parents and carers to support student wellbeing, engagement and achievement.
Physical Education Teacher and Head of Department
Arnold Academy
2006.09 - 2023.07
- Provided strategic leadership and management of the Physical Education department alongside teaching across the secondary age range.
- Led curriculum development, departmental improvement planning and quality assurance processes to promote high standards, student progress and positive outcomes.
- Analysed student performance, attendance and assessment information to identify needs, monitor progress and inform targeted support and intervention strategies.
- Built positive relationships with students and supported behaviour, engagement and participation using restorative approaches and consistent expectations.
- Worked collaboratively with parents, pastoral teams and external professionals to support student wellbeing, attendance and individual needs.
- Produced clear reports, maintained accurate records and communicated progress, concerns and recommendations to students, families and senior leaders.
- Managed challenging situations using calm communication, professional judgement and effective de-escalation strategies while line managing and developing staff.
Emergency Call Handler
East Anglian Ambulance Service
2000.11 - 2006.06
- Received and managed emergency 999 calls, gathering accurate information to support timely and effective responses.
- Communicated calmly and professionally with individuals in distress, using active listening and questioning techniques to assess situations and provide reassurance.
- Prioritised incidents and exercised sound judgement in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Maintained accurate electronic records and handled sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.
- Managed competing demands while maintaining concentration, accuracy and attention to detail.
- Worked collaboratively with ambulance crews and partner services to support safe and coordinated outcomes.
Freelance Vegan Chef/ Cafe Support
Green Earth Café
Bedford, Bedforshire
2023.10 - Current
- Design, prepare and deliver a range of whole-food plant-based meals and desserts while maintaining high quality standards.
- Support front-of-house operations including barista duties, customer service and creating a positive customer experience.
- Develop and adapt menu offerings in response to customer feedback, preferences and operational requirements.
- Manage stock ordering, food preparation and day-to-day organisation to support efficient service delivery.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and compliance within a fast-paced environment.
- Work collaboratively with café management and colleagues to support smooth daily operations.
Lifestyle Advisor (MSc Placement)
NHS Foundation Trust
Bedford, Bedfordshire
2023.01 - 2023.04
- Completed a placement supporting adults referred through primary care to make sustainable lifestyle changes relating to nutrition, physical activity and health behaviours.
- Used behaviour change principles and motivational interviewing techniques to support individuals to identify goals, build confidence and overcome barriers to change.
- Conducted person-centred conversations and adapted approaches to meet individual needs and encourage engagement.
- Maintained accurate records and worked alongside health professionals to support tailored interventions and positive outcomes.
- Developed practical experience in behaviour change, rapport building and supporting individuals to achieve sustainable change.
Education
MSc - Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Behavior Change
University of Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire 2021.09 - 2023.08
PGCE - Secondary Physical Education
University of Luton (Chiltern Training Trust)
Bedfordshire 2005.09 - 2006.08
BA (Hons) - Sport and Fitness Studies
University of Luton
Bedfordshire 2001.09 - 2004.05
BTEC National Diploma - Sports Science
Bedford College
1996.01 - 2000.01
Skills
- Behaviour Change and Engagement – Strong understanding of behaviour change principles with experience supporting motivation, participation and positive outcomes
- Communication and Relationship Building – Skilled in building effective relationships and communicating with young people, adults, families and professionals across a range of settings
- Assessment, Analysis and Decision Making – Experienced in monitoring progress, analysing information and using evidence to inform planning, support and decision-making
- Leadership and Team Development – Extensive experience leading teams, managing performance and supporting colleagues to achieve high standards
- Safeguarding and Student Support – Experienced in maintaining safeguarding responsibilities and supporting student wellbeing through inclusive and supportive practice
- Report Writing and Record Management – Confident in producing clear written reports, maintaining accurate records and communicating information effectively
- Behaviour Management and Conflict Resolution – Experienced in managing challenging situations using calm communication, professional judgement and restorative approaches
- Organisation and IT Skills – Strong organisational skills with experience managing competing priorities and using digital systems including Microsoft Office and educational platforms
Certification
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Nutrition
- Hygiene Certification and HACCP Awareness
- Level 2 Exercise to Music Qualification and Spin Instructor Certification
- Multiple coaching certifications in Football, Athletics, Netball, Basketball, and Swimming
- Safeguarding Training
- Prevent Duty Training
- Restorative Practice Training
- SEND / Inclusive Practice Training
- Motivational Interviewing
- First Aid
- HACCP / Food Hygiene
- Full UK Driving Licence
References
Available upon request
Accomplishments
- Successfully transitioned from a 16-year teaching career in PE to a specialized focus on food, nutrition, and health.
- Established a reputation for delivering creative, whole-food plant-based meals as a vegan chef.
- Full Clean UK Driving Licence (including D1 minibus) and extensive first aid training.
Affiliations
- ### Interests I enjoy learning and personal development and recently joined a book club to read more regularly and broaden my interests. Outside work, I enjoy weight training, running and maintaining an active lifestyle. I also enjoy cooking and baking whole-food plant-based food and run a small side venture creating vegan bakes. In my free time I enjoy walking in nature and spending time with friends and family.
Timeline
Freelance Vegan Chef/ Cafe Support
Green Earth Café
2023.10 - Current
Teacher of Food Technology
Hitchin Boys School
2023.09 - 2026.06
Lifestyle Advisor (MSc Placement)
NHS Foundation Trust
2023.01 - 2023.04
MSc - Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Behavior Change
University of Bedfordshire
2021.09 - 2023.08
Physical Education Teacher and Head of Department
Arnold Academy
2006.09 - 2023.07
PGCE - Secondary Physical Education
University of Luton (Chiltern Training Trust)
2005.09 - 2006.08
BA (Hons) - Sport and Fitness Studies
University of Luton
2001.09 - 2004.05
Emergency Call Handler
East Anglian Ambulance Service
2000.11 - 2006.06
BTEC National Diploma - Sports Science
Bedford College
1996.01 - 2000.01