At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, healthy meals for young people in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Lincolnshire Secure Unit, dedicated to caring for children.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a local government pension, and free parking.
- Other info: Receive mentorship and support to grow in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives through your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, resilience, and a passion for cooking are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25989 - 27254 £ per year.
Lincolnshire Secure Unit is a Secure Children's home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. We are looking for a creative, innovative and resourceful Residential Care Home Cook to join our highly passionate and dedicated care team who provide a safe, nurturing and caring environment for children and young people. We look after children and young people between the ages of 11 and 18 who are placed with us through the Youth Custody Service or for Welfare reasons.
About the Role
We have one full time position available (37 hours a week), working mornings, evenings and weekends. There will be occasions when additional hours would be offered, to support with covering service needs.
You will:
- Have responsibility for planning and preparing weekly menus for both staff and young people
- Prepare and understand healthy, varied, freshly made meals for a range of dietary requirements; Vegetarian, Halal, gluten free and coeliac, as well as other specific dietary requirements
- Keep accurate records and follow food hygiene standards
- Maintain and undertake the daily and weekly cleaning tasks within the kitchen area
- Complete all mandatory LCC training
You will be joining a team in a role that provides variety and challenge, where no two days are the same. This role offers opportunities for personal learning and growth to enable you to achieve the expected professional standards of a Residential Care Home Cook.
About You
As a Residential Care Home Cook you will be an integral part of the team. You will need to be prepared to develop positive relationships with all our children and young people, gain an understanding of their individual needs, ensuring you have compassion and empathy at all times. All Cooks must work within our core values: kindness, nurture, care, respect, empathy and compassion. We will provide you with the necessary training that you will need to fulfil your role and support you through a full induction program.
To apply you will need to be:
- Enthusiastic
- Resilient
- Innovative
- Flexible
- A good team player
About Our Offer
- Mentorship and Support: You will be mentored by our experienced and supportive team, ensuring you have the guidance and support you need to excel.
- Comprehensive Induction: We will provide a full induction to help ensure you get the best start to your new role.
- Excellent Benefits: Generous annual leave entitlement from day one, access to an excellent local government pension scheme, free parking on site, free DBS check, a free uniform and access to a range of services to support your wellbeing at work.
- Competitive Salary: £25,989 - £27,254
For a confidential and informal discussion about the role please contact James Guthrie on 01529 414300 or alternatively you can email james.guthrie@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
Applications close 14th June 2026.
Please note: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.
Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.
Residential Care Home Cook — Nurturing Meals & Growth employer: Lincoln
At Lincolnshire Secure Unit, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and compassion in our team. As a Residential Care Home Cook, you will enjoy a supportive work culture with comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and access to a local government pension scheme, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in a nurturing environment. Join us in Sleaford, where your culinary skills will not only satisfy dietary needs but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of those in our care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Residential Care Home Cook — Nurturing Meals & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lincolnshire Secure Unit. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their nurturing environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to cooking and care. Think about how you can highlight your creativity and adaptability in meal planning, especially for diverse dietary needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During the interview, let your enthusiasm and empathy come across. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can build positive relationships with the children and staff, so don’t be shy about sharing your experiences that demonstrate these qualities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a fantastic fit for their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Residential Care Home Cook — Nurturing Meals & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and caring for young people shine through. We want to see how your creativity and compassion can contribute to our nurturing environment.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Make sure your personal statement clearly outlines why you’re applying and how you meet the essential criteria. We love seeing specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated kindness, empathy, and innovation in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Flexibility:Since this role involves working various shifts, it’s important to mention your flexibility in your application. We appreciate candidates who are adaptable and ready to take on different challenges as they arise.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We often receive a high volume of applications, so applying early can help ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lincoln
✨Know Your Menus
Before the interview, take some time to research and prepare a few sample menus that cater to various dietary requirements. This shows your creativity and understanding of the role, and it will impress the interviewers with your proactive approach.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since this role involves working with children and young people, be ready to discuss how you would build positive relationships with them. Share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and care, as these qualities are crucial for the position.
✨Understand Food Hygiene Standards
Brush up on food hygiene regulations and best practices before your interview. Being knowledgeable about these standards not only shows your professionalism but also highlights your commitment to providing safe and healthy meals.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role requires being a good team player, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in a kitchen or care setting. Highlighting your flexibility and ability to adapt to different situations will resonate well with the interviewers.
