At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve healthy meals for children, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Company: Bradford Beacon School, a nurturing environment for children with autism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a brand-new school setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through nutritious meals.
- Qualifications: Catering experience and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 20000 £ per year.
We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work.
Location: Bradford Beacon School, Rooley Lane, Bradford, BD5 8LJ
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday - Friday | 8am - 2pm
Salary: £20,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.
About the Role
As our School Cook, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, ensuring pupils receive healthy, balanced meals that cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you'll maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen organisation while creating meals that pupils genuinely enjoy.
You’ll oversee stock management, maintain accurate food safety records, minimise waste, and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and in line with all statutory regulations.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing, cooking and serving fresh, nutritious meals each day.
- Catering for allergies, special dietary requirements and individual needs.
- Maintaining exceptional food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Managing stock levels, deliveries and food rotation to minimise waste.
- Completing food safety documentation and maintaining accurate records.
- Keeping the kitchen clean, organised and fully compliant.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues, suppliers and school leaders.
- Playing an active role in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of every pupil.
About You
- A City & Guilds or NVQ in Catering (or equivalent).
- Experience working within a catering or kitchen environment.
- Excellent food preparation and presentation skills.
- A good understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- A flexible, reliable and positive approach.
- A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people.
- Experience in menu planning, working to a catering budget, or within a school kitchen would be an advantage but isn't essential.
About Us
Bradford Beacon School, opened in September 2025, is a brand-new specialist independent school for children aged 4–11 with autism and associated complex needs. Set in a purpose-built, thoughtfully refurbished environment, the school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive setting where every child feels valued. Pupils follow a broad, enriched curriculum that develops communication, social, emotional, and life skills alongside academic achievement. With personalised teaching and therapeutic support from a dedicated staff and clinical team, every child's individual needs are met. As the school grows to 42 pupils over the next two years, there is an exciting opportunity to help shape its inclusive, supportive culture. Bradford Beacon celebrates every step of progress, empowering pupils to reach their full potential and thrive.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
School Cook in Bradford employer: MindMatch
Selwood Housing is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive team environment where collaboration and knowledge sharing are key. With a commitment to inclusivity and a range of benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working opportunities, and ongoing training, you will not only gain hands-on experience as an Apprentice Electrician but also build a rewarding career in a respected trade within a growing not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing affordable housing in the Southwest.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Bradford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like MindMatch. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to MindMatch
Don't be shy about reaching out to MindMatch directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about MindMatch and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at MindMatch
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
