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- Tasks: Prepare delicious home-cooked meals for children with complex needs in a supportive team.
- Company: Join Bracknell Forest Council, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, career development, and perks like gym discounts and life insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a fun and caring environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Hygiene qualification and catering experience required; passion for child welfare is essential.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours; interviews on 11th July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 10026 - 10495 £ per year.
We have a part-time, permanent opportunity for a cook in our short break children's home - Larchwood. At Larchwood, we provide short break overnight respite care for children and young people with severe and complex needs.
About You...
You will be a team player who is enthusiastic about supporting the team to provide the highest quality of care to our children and young people through the preparation of meals that meet the children and young people's individual needs. We are looking for someone with a minimum of Level 2 Hygiene qualification and previous experience of working within the catering sector. You will also have understanding of the routine cleaning and maintaining that are required for food preparation. An understanding of and commitment to the requirements of safeguarding children and young people and promoting their welfare is also required.
About The Team...
Working at Larchwood is both fun and challenging. You will be surrounded by a team who care passionately about the work we do and who equally recognise the importance of being supportive to each other. The children and young people are all unique and require individualised care. Staff strive for excellence and ensure that the care provided is responsive to the children and young people's view, wishes and feelings.
Key responsibilities...
- Preparing home-cooked meals in accordance with the requirements of relevant legislation
- Ensuring individual dietary needs are understood and catered for
- Being aware of allergens within foods and ensuring safety when preparing and cooking meals
Our benefits...
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ continuous service.
- The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
- An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
- Local government pension scheme.
- Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more.
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
- Sports and Social Club.
- Staff dental and health plans.
- Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
- Supermarket discount.
Our values
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Interview date...
Interviews will be held on Friday, 11th July 2025. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check as part of our pre-employment checks process.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Equal Opportunities
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Cook - Larchwood employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook - Larchwood
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dietary needs and preferences of children with complex needs. This knowledge will not only help you in meal preparation but also demonstrate your commitment to providing tailored care during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your teamwork skills by preparing examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen or care setting. Highlighting your ability to work well within a team will resonate with the values of Larchwood.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Bracknell Forest Council's core values of inclusivity, ambition, and continuous learning. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as this will show that you're a good cultural fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions about the role and the team dynamics at Larchwood. Asking insightful questions during your interview can demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and help you stand out from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Larchwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements for the Cook position at Larchwood. Highlight your relevant experience in catering and any qualifications, such as your Level 2 Hygiene certification.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your ability to cater to individual dietary needs and your understanding of food safety.
Show Your Passion: In your cover letter or personal statement, express your enthusiasm for working with children and young people with complex needs. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care and support.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a role that involves food preparation and safety.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and young people, especially those with complex needs. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to providing high-quality care and support.
✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking experience in detail. Highlight your knowledge of dietary requirements, allergens, and food safety regulations. If possible, bring examples of meals you've prepared that cater to specific dietary needs.
✨Understand the Importance of Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in previous roles and contributed to a positive work environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about scenarios you might face in the role and how you would respond, particularly regarding safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
