At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals for students in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Thornycroft School, a new specialist day school in Oldham.
- Benefits: Enjoy great employee perks, including discounts and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and support.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on students' lives through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: 2 years of cooking experience and knowledge of food safety practices.
The predicted salary is between 24960 - 26513 £ per year.
We are seeking a reliable and experienced School Cook to join our team at Thornycroft School - Oldham. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and serving meals to students and staff in a busy school environment. Thornycroft School is a brand-new, Independent Specialist Day school providing high-quality education for up to 70 pupils. Located in Oldham, Greater Manchester, the school will meet the diverse needs of pupils aged 5-19 with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism. Every day, our staff create a calm, welcoming environment for our students where they feel accepted, heard, and valued.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and prepare daily meals and specials, taking into account dietary requirements and food allergies
- Maintain inventory of food and supplies, ordering as necessary
- Ensure that the kitchen and equipment are kept clean and well-maintained at all times
- Work with the school nutritionist to ensure that meals meet nutritional guidelines
- Monitor food temperatures to ensure safe food handling practices are followed
- Assist with the setup and clean-up of the lunchroom
Requirements:
- At least 2 years' experience as a cook in a school or similar setting
- Knowledge of safe food handling practices and regulations
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow recipes and instructions
Horizon Care and Education is committed to its employees, values the needs of our employees and the people we support. We recognise the need to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled staff, so we are committed to attract and retain talent who align with our values, vision & mission statement. We value diversity, equality, and inclusion, offering equal opportunities to all individuals interested in joining our organisation. Candidates who meet the minimum required criteria of the person specification will be guaranteed an interview under the disability confident employer scheme.
We are committed to safeguarding, the standards of safer recruitment defined under Keeping Children Safe in Education, and enabling a safe culture; a culture that ensures that our employees and the young people in our care and education are safeguarded and receive the right support that meets their individual needs. We promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all employees, all visitors of Horizon and partner organisations who support us to share this commitment.
School Cook - (Thornycroft SEN School - Oldham) employer: Horizon Care Ltd
Horizon Care and Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Thornycroft School in Oldham. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, our OneHorizon platform provides access to a range of benefits, including discount programmes and a wellbeing centre, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered. We prioritise professional growth and development, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with Special Educational Needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook - (Thornycroft SEN School - Oldham)
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Horizon Care Ltd and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook - (Thornycroft SEN School - Oldham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Horizon Care Ltd that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Horizon Care Ltd.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Horizon Care Ltd get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizon Care Ltd
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Horizon Care Ltd and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
