At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare meals and maintain a clean, organised kitchen environment.
- Company: Horton Lodge Special School, dedicated to supporting children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Make a real difference, work in a beautiful setting, and enjoy professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a supportive team and access to health and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and positively impact the lives of enthusiastic pupils every day.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for cooking and a commitment to supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Due to retirement, Horton Lodge Special School is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our exceptional catering team from 1st September 2026. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people with additional and complex needs.
Hours
The working hours are Monday to Thursday (3 hrs) 11:30am - 2:30pm and Friday (5 hrs) 9:30am - 2:30pm.
Role
Everyone at Horton Lodge shares a commitment to providing the best school experience for our pupils. The role involves meal preparation and maintaining an organised and clean environment.
Benefits / What you will gain
- Work in a role that makes a genuine difference every day
- Work with happy, enthusiastic pupils
- Work in a beautiful location and welcoming school environment
- Work with a supportive and passionate team, dedicated to pupil success
- Undertake training and professional development
- Access a generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to health and wellbeing support through the Thinkwell scheme
Visits and contact
Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school to arrange an appointment or email Emily, the school business manager.
Application details
Closing Date: Friday 3 July (12 midday). Interview Date: Week commencing 6 July. Your application should consist of an Application Form, Recruitment Monitoring Form and an accompanying letter (no more than an A4 page) detailing your skills, knowledge, suitability and experience in relation to the job description and person specification. Please email completed applications to Emily Farr.
Safeguarding
Horton Lodge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; applicants will therefore be subject to stringent vetting and induction processes including an enhanced DBS disclosure and online searches.
Assistant Cook - Horton Lodge Special School in Leek employer: Job Search Place Limited
Horton Lodge Special School is an exceptional employer that offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with additional and complex needs. With a supportive and passionate team, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and access to health and wellbeing support, employees can thrive in a beautiful and welcoming school environment while enjoying professional development opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook - Horton Lodge Special School in Leek
✨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.
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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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook - Horton Lodge Special School in Leek
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited.
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 Job Search Place Limited get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited 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.
