At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and maintain high cleaning standards in a children's residential home.
- Company: Join Spark of Genius, a leader in supporting children with additional needs.
- Benefits: £500 welcome bonus, free meals, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a caring team.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking or housekeeping, good communication skills, and a team-focused approach.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 14 £ per hour.
Role: Housekeeper / Cook — Permanent 35 hours per week
Location: Danderhall, EH16
Hours/rota: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Pay: £12.65 per hour
About Spark of Genius
For over 25 years, Spark of Genius has supported children and young people with additional needs, creating safe, inclusive environments where they can thrive.
About the role
We’re looking for a caring and well‑organised Housekeeper/Cook to join our children’s residential home. You’ll help create a warm, welcoming setting by maintaining high cleaning standards and preparing nutritious meals that support children’s health and wellbeing. New staff must be comfortable using an electronic care recording system on a daily basis to document, monitor, and update children and young people’s records accurately. Experience with Clearcare is an advantage, but not essential, as full training will be provided. However, all staff are expected to confidently use digital systems as part of their day‑to‑day role.
What you’ll do
- Cooking
- Prepare and cook balanced meals and snacks, tailored to individual dietary needs and allergies
- Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness
- Safely store, label and rotate food in line with regulations
- Plan menus within agreed budgets
- Record temperatures and complete kitchen log sheets
- Prepare buffets or meals at short notice when needed
- Clean bedrooms and shared areas to a high standard
- Follow routines, policies and infection‑control procedures
- Safely store hazardous materials (COSHH)
- Keep bathrooms stocked
- Report maintenance issues promptly
- Carry out occasional deep cleans when required
About you
- Experience in a cooking, catering or housekeeping environment.
- Cooking for small groups of people
- Knowledge of food hygiene, certificate desired but can work towards
- Good communication skills and a team‑focused approach.
- Flexible, organised and reliable.
- Understanding of health & safety in kitchens and residential settings.
Why join us
- £500 Welcome Bonus after probation.
- Refer‑a‑Friend scheme — earn up to £1,000.
- Free meals on shift and free onsite parking.
- Exclusive discounts at major retailers (ASDA, Tesco, M&S and more).
- Company pension and staff recognition awards.
- Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG check.
- 24/7 helpline and hardship support via the CareTech Foundation.
Safeguarding
CareTech is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers are subject to an Enhanced DBS/PVG check and satisfactory references covering the past two years and all roles involving vulnerable groups.
Ready to apply?
If you’re looking for a supportive team, a stable role and the chance to make a real difference every day, we’d love to hear from you — apply today.
Housekeeper in Danderhall employer: CareTech
Contact Detail:
CareTech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housekeeper in Danderhall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Spark of Genius. Understand their mission and values, especially how they support children with additional needs. This will help you connect your skills and experiences to what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for a Housekeeper/Cook role and rehearse your answers. Focus on your experience in cooking and housekeeping, and be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and how you can contribute to creating those 'Extraordinary Days'.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your caring and organised nature shine through. They’re looking for someone who fits into their supportive environment, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of children.
✨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 Spark of Genius. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a quick email can keep you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Housekeeper in Danderhall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous experience in cooking or housekeeping. If you've worked with dietary needs or in a residential setting before, we want to hear about it!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team.
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 get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at CareTech
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Housekeeper/Cook. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like cooking balanced meals and maintaining high cleaning standards. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in cooking, catering, or housekeeping. Prepare examples of how you've handled dietary needs or maintained hygiene standards in past roles. This will show that you have the practical skills needed to excel in this position.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with others, highlight your good communication skills and team-focused approach. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past to create a positive environment, especially in settings involving children or vulnerable groups.
✨Get Comfortable with Digital Systems
As you'll be using an electronic care recording system, it’s important to express your willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies. If you have any experience with digital systems, mention it! If not, reassure them of your ability to pick up new skills quickly.