At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals while supporting pupils' wellbeing and school events.
- Company: Join a supportive and friendly school community at Arc School Old Arley.
- Benefits: Enjoy health programmes, discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pupils' health and development in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong knowledge of food hygiene and dietary needs.
Are you passionate about nutritious food and supporting pupils’ wellbeing? Are you looking for a rewarding role in a school environment? We are seeking a School Chef/Cook to join our fantastic kitchen team at Arc School Old Arley. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support the health, wellbeing, and development of our pupils. This role is working 32 hours per week.
What you’ll be doing:
- Prepare and serve nutritious meals, drinks and snacks meeting pupils’ cultural and dietary needs
- Provide daily catering and support school events and special functions
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, cleanliness, and health & safety standards
- Manage food ordering, stock control and work within an agreed budget
- Support pupil wellbeing, learning activities, and safeguarding policies
What we’re looking for:
- A team player who will uphold the mission, values and goals of Arc School Old Arley
- Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health and safety, and dietary requirements
- Experience working in catering or a similar role (school or education setting desirable)
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage budgets and stock
Why work for us?
- Supportive and friendly school community
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!
We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care. When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career. You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
Who are we?
Opened in 2015, Arc School Old Arley is an independent special day school situated within a rural village near Nuneaton, affording children and young people the opportunity to take part in a range of activities within the local community. The spacious school environment is bright and welcoming with a variety of different learning spaces inside and outside. Our school has a particular focus on taking learning outside the classroom into the grounds and community beyond and working in partnership with other organisations to enrich opportunities for children and young people. Arc School Old Arley is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure. We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
School Chef employer: Kedleston Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Kedleston Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Arc School Old Arley and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a School Chef, giving you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your culinary skills! If possible, bring samples of your cooking to the interview or offer to prepare a dish for the team. This not only demonstrates your passion for nutritious food but also gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨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 fantastic kitchen team and making a real impact on pupils’ wellbeing.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nutritious Food: When writing your application, let your love for nutritious food shine through! Share any experiences or ideas you have about how to create meals that support pupils' wellbeing. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous roles in catering or similar settings, especially in schools. We’re looking for team players who understand the importance of food hygiene and dietary needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Organised and Budget-Savvy: Since managing budgets and stock control is part of the role, include examples of how you've successfully handled these tasks in the past. We appreciate candidates who can keep things running smoothly in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kedleston Group Ltd
✨Know Your Nutrition
Brush up on your knowledge of nutritious meals and dietary requirements. Be ready to discuss how you can cater to the diverse needs of pupils, including cultural preferences and allergies. This shows your passion for supporting their wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in catering, especially in a school or educational setting. Talk about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
As a School Chef, being a team player is crucial. Share instances where you collaborated with others in a kitchen environment or supported school events. This will show that you align with the values of Arc School Old Arley.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene and health & safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen, as this is vital for the role and reflects your professionalism.