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- Tasks: Plan and cook nutritious meals for children with autism, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Join a leading specialist school dedicated to supporting young people with autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts, wellbeing support, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Certificate and food hygiene certification preferred; training provided.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a family ethos and opportunities for personal growth.
Tadley Court School is a specialist school and has an Ofsted rating of Good with Outstanding features. Our school is set in a beautiful semi-rural location with four acres of well-maintained grounds. We are a day school specialising in the education and care of children and young people between the age of 4 and 19 years who all have a formal Autism diagnosis and either SLD or MLD. We are proud of our career progression routes and we attract professionals who are willing to contribute to our sustained success whilst embracing our family-ethos. The school have benefited from significant development which is due to continue into the new academic year.
Here at Aspris, we are proud to be a leading provider of specialist education services with over 30 schools nationwide. We are recruiting for a Chef/Head Cook to join us at our school for autistic children and young people.
Our benefits include:
- Exclusive access to reward and discount scheme
- Blue Light discount card
- Comprehensive induction
- Commitment to your ongoing training and career progression
- Paid for enhanced PVG/DBS
- Wellbeing support
- Cycle to work scheme and more!
In this role, you will be responsible for menu planning, ordering stock, cooking, food service and the line management of a small team of catering assistants. You will adhere to set budgets within the school to deliver healthy, varied and nutritious diets for young people and the staff which comply with Government Healthy Eating in Schools expectations. In addition, you will be responsible for the ensuring that the kitchen and associated areas are kept to a high standard of hygiene, including food and equipment storage and that all compliance requirements are met and maintained to a high standard.
You will ideally have a Level 2 certificate in Food, Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering and a valid food hygiene certificate. Training will be provided on Aspris systems and procedures.
As the school\’s Chef/Cook you will be required to:
- Plan, prepare, and cook fresh well-balanced meals for pupils and staff, considering their specific dietary requirements and preferences
- Collaborate with special education staff to develop interesting and varied menus that accommodate individual dietary restrictions and sensory needs whilst maintaining Government Healthy Eating expectations.
- Ensure that all meals are prepared and served in accordance with food safety regulations and best practices
- Maintain stock levels
- Maintain accurate records in accordance with health & safety policies
- Foster a positive dining experience for pupils by creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere during mealtimes
Above all, we provide a supportive and collaborative working environment where you can flourish in your career and feel incredibly rewarded by helping those who need it most.
If you would like an informal chat about this exciting role, or to organise a visit, please give Robyn a call on 07720891703 / email
Aspris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service and at least 2 references which cover the last 3 years; for all our services we will request references from where you have worked with either Children or Vulnerable Adults. Please be advised that references may be requested prior to interview for roles within our Schools.
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Cook employer: Aspris Children's Services
Contact Detail:
Aspris Children's Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Tadley Court School and understand its ethos and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Cook, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Cook, you might be asked to demonstrate your cooking skills. Brush up on your menu planning and food safety knowledge to impress during any hands-on evaluations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Aspris and contributing to the amazing work they do.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create delicious meals, especially for children with specific dietary needs. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role at Tadley Court School. Highlight any relevant experience you have in catering for special dietary requirements or working in educational settings. This will show us that you understand our unique environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspris Children's Services
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu planning for children with specific dietary needs. Be ready to discuss how you would create balanced meals that cater to various preferences and restrictions. This shows your understanding of the role and your commitment to providing nutritious food.
✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you brush up on food safety regulations and hygiene practices. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you maintain high standards in the kitchen and ensure compliance with health and safety policies. This will demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working closely with special education staff, highlight your experience in collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've worked as part of a team to create inclusive dining experiences or adapted menus based on feedback. This will show that you're a team player who values collaboration.
✨Express Your Passion for the Role
Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. Talk about why you want to work in a specialist school and how you can contribute to creating a positive dining atmosphere. Your passion can set you apart from other candidates and resonate with the interviewers.