Cook - Old School House

Cook - Old School House

Full-Time 24000 - 26000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Inspired to Care

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare and cook nutritious meals for our residents, ensuring safety and hygiene standards.
  • Company: Join Rushcliffe Care Group, a leader in compassionate care for over 35 years.
  • Benefits: Earn £12.65 per hour with free parking and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through the power of food and care.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate preferred; passion for cooking and care is essential.
  • Other info: Flexible part-time role with a supportive team and a focus on personal development.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 26000 £ per year.

Pay: £12.65 per hour

Location: Old School House, Thringstone

Hours: 18 hours per week

Working Pattern: 3 days per week, 08:00–14:00

Job Type: Part-time, Permanent

Food is not just a task in a care setting. It supports health, routine, independence, and enjoyment. As a Cook at The Old School House, you will play a direct role in the wellbeing of the people we support by preparing meals that are safe, nutritious, and tailored to individual needs.

About Rushcliffe Care Group

You will be joining Rushcliffe Care, a company with over 35 years of experience in offering the highest levels of care to our most vulnerable in society. Across our services, we support people to live safer, more fulfilling lives, with dignity, choice, and consistency at the centre of everything we do. Our work is guided by clear values.

About The Role

As a Cook, you will prepare and cook meals to meet the daily requirements of service users, supporting the catering function and ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation.

Your Role Will Include:

  • Preparing and cooking meals in line with agreed menus and individual dietary requirements
  • Producing meals to a high standard while maximising efficient use of resources and minimising waste
  • Monitoring and recording critical control points, including temperature checks and delivery checks
  • Maintaining safe food storage and hygiene standards at all times
  • Ordering stock within allocated budgets and monitoring fresh produce levels
  • Ensuring the kitchen remains clean, organised, and compliant with food hygiene regulations
  • Communicating effectively with care staff regarding dietary needs or changes

Your working hours will be 08:00–14:00, three days over 7, worked in line with service needs and will include weekend rota'd days. This role requires a flexible and practical approach. You must be confident managing the kitchen during your shift and maintaining standards consistently.

About You

You will ideally hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate, or be willing to work towards this. A relevant food preparation qualification is desirable. You understand food hygiene regulations, allergy awareness, and safe working practices. You are organised, able to manage stock and budgets responsibly, and take pride in producing meals that people enjoy. You understand that in a Learning Disability service, mealtimes can be an important part of routine and independence. You are patient, respectful, and responsive to individual preferences. You are reliable, punctual, and comfortable working independently.

What Our Values Mean in Practice:

  • Reputable Care: Following food safety and hygiene procedures exactly as required. Maintaining clear records of temperatures and safety checks. Ensuring meals meet agreed standards every day.
  • Respect and Compassion: Respecting individual dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements. Understanding that food is part of dignity and personal choice. Communicating professionally with service users and colleagues.
  • Robust Communication: Informing care staff of any dietary concerns or supply issues. Recording safety checks clearly and accurately. Working collaboratively with the Registered Manager and wider team.
  • Real Commitment: Arriving prepared and maintaining high standards throughout the shift. Managing stock carefully and avoiding unnecessary waste. Taking responsibility for the kitchen environment and outcomes.

About The Old School House

The Old School House in Thringstone is a specialised Learning Disability service with 18 registered beds. It is designed to support individuals with learning disabilities, offering a person centred, supportive, and inclusive environment. We focus on fostering independence, promoting dignity, and respecting individual preferences and goals. Through tailored care plans, we ensure the unique needs of each service user are met, helping them to live fulfilling lives while maintaining their rights and individuality.

What We Offer

We provide structured induction and clear guidance so you feel confident in your role from day one. You will receive regular support from managers who understand the importance of food safety, consistency, and high standards. Many of our team build long term careers with us. We are committed to supporting development and internal progression where appropriate. If you take pride in your cooking and want your work to have a direct impact on people's daily lives, apply now to join Rushcliffe Care Group.

Join our team at Rushcliffe Care Group and help us continue to provide exceptional care and service to our residents. Our core values, Reputable Care, Respect and Compassion, Robust Communication and Real Commitment are at the heart of everything we do.

Benefits:

  • Free parking
  • On-site parking

Equal Opportunities Statement

Rushcliffe Care Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are based on individual merit, qualifications, and the needs of the service. Some roles may have specific requirements, such as physical ability or effective communication in English, due to the nature of the care we provide. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well being of our service users and are applied fairly and proportionately. To support our commitment to equal opportunities, we may collect diversity data as part of the application process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only, is anonymised where appropriate, and does not form part of the selection process. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which is covered by Rushcliffe Care.

Cook - Old School House employer: Inspired to Care

At Rushcliffe Care Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at The Old School House in Thringstone. With over 35 years of experience, we provide structured induction and ongoing development opportunities, ensuring our team members feel confident and valued in their roles. Our commitment to high standards, respect, and compassion not only enhances the lives of those we support but also fosters long-term careers for our employees.
Inspired to Care

Contact Detail:

Inspired to Care Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cook - Old School House

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Rushcliffe Care Group and understand their values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your cooking skills and how they align with the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Bring your A-game! Prepare a few examples of how you've handled dietary needs or food safety issues in the past. This shows you’re proactive and ready to tackle challenges head-on.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role at The Old School House.

We think you need these skills to ace Cook - Old School House

Food Preparation
Food Hygiene Regulations
Dietary Needs Awareness
Stock Management
Budget Management
Meal Planning
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Independence
Respect and Compassion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share any experiences that highlight your passion for preparing meals that cater to individual needs. This will help us see how you can contribute to the wellbeing of our residents.

Highlight Your Food Safety Knowledge: Make sure to mention your understanding of food hygiene regulations and any relevant qualifications, like a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate. We want to know that you take food safety seriously, as it’s crucial in our care setting.

Tailor Your Application to Us: Take a moment to read through our values and the job description carefully. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for at Rushcliffe Care. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired to Care

✨Know Your Menu

Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you’ll be preparing at The Old School House. Understand dietary requirements and preferences that might come up during the interview. This shows your commitment to providing tailored meals and your understanding of the role.

✨Showcase Your Hygiene Knowledge

Be ready to discuss food hygiene regulations and safe working practices. Mention any relevant certifications, like a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate, and share examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles. This will demonstrate your reliability and professionalism.

✨Communicate Effectively

Prepare to talk about how you would communicate with care staff regarding dietary needs or changes. Highlight your experience in collaborating with others to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Good communication is key in a care setting, so make sure to emphasise this skill.

✨Emphasise Your Passion for Cooking

Let your enthusiasm for cooking shine through! Share stories about how you take pride in your meals and how you believe food can enhance the wellbeing of individuals. This personal touch can set you apart and show that you genuinely care about the impact of your work.

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