At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for students with special needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Meadow High School, a dedicated team focused on special education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a welcoming team, professional development, gym access, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time only, with opportunities for growth in an expanding SEN setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and a passion for teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 21219 - 22146 € per year.
Job Reference: CJ5698
Advert Posted On: 20/05/2026
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: 30 hours per week, Term Time only (38 weeks)
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 08:00am - 02:00pm
Salary information: Scale 4, £21,219 - £22,146 per annum (dependent upon experience) + SSA, £1,078 per annum
Start date: September 2026
Meadow High School is a special needs school, which provides education for secondary aged students aged 11-19 years with moderate and complex needs. Due to our expanding roll, an opportunity has arisen for a School Cook to join our dedicated team of staff at our new Northwood Road (Harefield Village) site. Northwood Road is an additional site based in Harefield and will house up to 100 Pathway 1 pupils and will be ready for us to occupy in September 2026.
We are particularly interested in people who have experience of working with young people with ASD and complex learning difficulties. We are looking for a highly motivated person to become a member of our dedicated catering team. The candidate must be flexible, open to new challenges and be able to work effectively as part of a team. Recent experience of working in a kitchen environment is preferred. Applicants must hold a Food Hygiene Certificate.
Applicants should have:
- Experience of working within a catering organisation. (Essential)
- The knowledge of Safety & Hygiene regulations 2013 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. (Essential)
- Appropriate food hygiene certification. (Essential)
- The knowledge of electrical and kitchen equipment, safety procedures and kitchen procedures. (Essential)
- The knowledge of clerical procedures and appropriate documentation. (Desirable)
- Experience of ordering and stock control. (Desirable)
- The ability to supervise members of staff, work as part of a team, and to organise a workload i.e. rotas. (Essential)
- To display a responsible and co-operative attitude to working towards the achievement of the service area aims and objectives. (Essential)
- The ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in person and on the telephone. (Essential)
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. (Essential)
- The ability to prepare and produce meals to contract specifications. (Essential)
- The ability to identify your own and those you supervise training needs. (Essential)
- The ability to communicate with members of staff and children. (Essential)
- Committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils. (Essential)
We offer:
- A welcoming team environment with ongoing support.
- A commitment to your continued professional development.
- Free access to our on-site gym.
- Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme (Counselling, Information and Support).
- Opportunities for growth and development within an expanding SEN setting.
- Close to M40 & M25, easy access to Central London, close to several TFL Tube stations.
Closing Date: Sunday 31st May at Midnight
Meadow High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.
In addition, as part of the shortlisting process, we will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on the shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that may have happened, and are publicly available online, and which we may want to explore with candidates at interview.
School Cook - Uxbridge employer: Crinkle Recruitment
Meadow High School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and welcoming environment for our dedicated staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and access to resources such as our on-site gym. Located conveniently near major transport links, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special needs while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook - Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Meadow High School and its values. Understanding their mission 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 School Cook.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to catering and working with young people with special needs. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and experience!
✨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 our dedicated team at Meadow High School.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook - Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences you've had in the kitchen, especially if you've worked with young people or in a special needs environment. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had in catering or kitchens. If you've got experience with food hygiene and safety regulations, shout about it! We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills to what we’re looking for. Use similar language and phrases from the job ad to show us you understand the role and what it entails. This will help your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Meadow High School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crinkle Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food hygiene regulations and safety procedures. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with ASD and complex learning difficulties, as this will show your commitment to their welfare.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous kitchen experience in detail. Highlight any roles where you’ve had to manage stock control or supervise staff, as these are essential skills for the School Cook position.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in a kitchen environment, especially under pressure, to meet deadlines and produce quality meals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the school’s catering operations and how they support students with special needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team.
