Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, inclusive meals for children with special dietary needs.
- Company: Join Treetops, a caring organisation supporting children with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun in a creative kitchen.
- Qualifications: Food hygiene awareness and ability to work in a team.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Treetops offers overnight short breaks for children in Kent from the age of 5 to 18 years old, who have learning disabilities and/or Autism, and will have some additional support needs. These may include health related needs, behaviours of concern, and help with everyday tasks. We always support children to have fun with their friends and peers, to learn skills, make choices, and to be supported in a safe and nurturing environment, so that they, and their families, can have a break.
We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, able to work as part of a busy team providing a high standard of food ensuring that menus are created to meet the needs of the children and their dietary requirements, working within a set budget.
To succeed in this role, we are looking for someone who has:
- Awareness and training on food hygiene
- Ability to create menus to meet dietary requirements and nutritious values for all, making meals inclusive
- Willingness to keep knowledge and training up to date in Level 3 Food Safety and putting it into practice
- Willingness to work with the team to create themed meals and events to enhance children's experiences
- Ability to manage the stock of food within the unit, doing stock rotation and ordering of what is needed
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.
In return we can offer you:
- A detailed induction and training programme, with an ongoing plan for development
- 28 days annual leave + bank holiday entitlement
- Generous contributory pension scheme
Cook in Dartford employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Treetops' website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is customer-facing, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! When discussing menu ideas or themed meals during your interview, let your imagination shine. Share examples of how you've catered to dietary needs in the past, and don’t be afraid to suggest fun meal concepts that could enhance the children's experiences.
✨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 the team at Treetops. Don’t wait too long, as positions can fill up quickly!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your cooking skills and any relevant experience in your application. We want to see how you can create delicious, nutritious meals that cater to the dietary needs of children.
Be Personable: Since this is a customer-facing role, it’s important to showcase your excellent communication skills. Let us know how you connect with others and work as part of a team to create a fun environment for the kids.
Stay Up-to-Date: Mention any training or certifications you have in food hygiene and safety. We’re looking for someone who keeps their knowledge fresh and is eager to learn more about creating inclusive menus.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, take some time to think about how you would create menus that cater to children with various dietary needs. Be ready to discuss specific examples of inclusive meals you've prepared or ideas you have for themed events.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role is customer-facing, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to prepare a few scenarios where you effectively communicated with team members or children, showcasing your ability to work in a busy environment.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene Knowledge
Make sure you're up to date with food hygiene standards and Level 3 Food Safety practices. Be prepared to discuss how you implement these in your cooking and how you ensure a safe environment for the children.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Think about your experiences working in a team. Be ready to share how you collaborate with others to enhance children's experiences through food, and how you manage stock and resources effectively within a budget.
