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- Tasks: Plan and cook nutritious meals for students with special dietary needs.
- Company: Tadley Court School, a specialist school with a Good Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Exclusive discounts, ongoing training, wellbeing support, and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through healthy cooking.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food certificate and Level 3 Supervising Food Safety required.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on safeguarding and collaboration.
Join to apply for the Cook role at Aspris.
Tadley Court School is a specialist school with an Ofsted rating of Good with Outstanding features. It is set in a beautiful semi‑rural location with four acres of well‑maintained grounds and caters to children and young people aged 4 to 19 who have a formal Autism diagnosis and either SLD or MLD. The school prides itself on career progression routes and attracts professionals ready to contribute to its sustained success while embracing a family‑ethos. Significant development has benefitted the school and will 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.
Benefits
- 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 work within school budgets to deliver healthy, varied, and nutritious diets that comply with Government Healthy Eating in Schools expectations. You will also ensure the kitchen and associated areas maintain high hygiene standards, including food and equipment storage, and that all compliance requirements are met.
You will ideally possess a Level 2 certificate in Food, a Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering, and a valid food hygiene certificate. Training will be provided on Aspris systems and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and cook fresh well‑balanced meals for pupils and staff, considering specific dietary requirements and preferences.
- Collaborate with special education staff to develop interesting and varied menus that accommodate individual dietary restrictions and sensory needs while maintaining Government Healthy Eating expectations.
- Ensure all meals are prepared and served in accordance with food safety regulations and best practices.
- Maintain stock levels.
- Maintain accurate records in line with health and 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 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 or email robynhill@aspris.com.
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 the Disclosure & Barring Service and at least two references covering the last three years. For all our services we will request references from organisations where you have worked with either children or vulnerable adults. Please note that references may be requested prior to interview for roles within our schools.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Primary and Secondary Education
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Cook employer: Aspris
Contact Detail:
Aspris 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 their mission and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨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 candidate, which can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary skills! If possible, bring samples of your cooking or share a portfolio of your menu ideas. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨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 Tadley Court School and ready to contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you to create delicious meals, especially for young people with specific dietary needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role at Tadley Court School. Mention any relevant qualifications, like your food safety certificates, and how they make you a great fit for our team.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be managing a small team of catering assistants, emphasise your teamwork and leadership abilities in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspris
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about potential menus you could create for the school. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences that might be relevant for the students. This shows your creativity and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Safety Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss food safety regulations and best practices during the interview. Highlight any relevant certifications you have, like your Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering, and share examples of how you've implemented these practices in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working with a small team and collaborating with special education staff, think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Discuss how you can foster a positive dining experience and create an inclusive atmosphere for the pupils.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the school's approach to nutrition or how they involve students in menu planning. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
