At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students and create a fun kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Luminous Oak Academy, a vibrant school focused on growth and resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time only, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene and experience in school catering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27776 - 30354 £ per year.
Luminous Oak Academy are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and skilled Kitchen Cook to join our Support Department.
You need to be flexible, energetic and enthusiastic about working with children who have complex needs and/or autism. If you are up for a challenge, like to have fun and really want to help make a difference, then Luminous Oak could be the place for you!
Ideally you will have Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate and experience of school catering.
At Solent Academies Trust, we are proud to be a community built on connection, respect, and belonging. Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
Salary & Benefits:
- Band 4
- 27.5 hours per week
- Term Time only plus one week
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relation leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and wellbeing
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Increase of paid weeks after 5 years of service from 46.3 weeks to 47.1 weeks
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Salary Extras
- Employee Benefits Platform
The hours for this role are Monday - Friday 8.30am – 2.00pm. You will work for 40 weeks of the year; however, you will be paid for 46.3 weeks. Your salary will be paid over 12 months of the year.
Location: Solent Academies Trust, Flycatcher Road, Boorley Green, Hampshire, SO32 2FG.
Please note we will only accept applications completed on our Solent Academies Trust application form. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st July 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Thursday 9th July 2026.
Equal opportunities: Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Kitchen Cook in Hedge End employer: Dove House School
Luminous Oak Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional development of its staff, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in the vibrant Boorley Gardens development, we offer flexible working hours, a commitment to career growth, and a strong community ethos that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs. With excellent benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, life insurance, and opportunities for continuous professional development, joining our team means being part of a nurturing environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Cook in Hedge End
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Dove House School. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Dove House School
Don't be shy about reaching out to Dove House School directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Cook in Hedge End
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Dove House School and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House School
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
