At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals that support students' wellbeing and development.
- Company: Join OFG Education, a leader in personalised education for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to empowering students with autism.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through your passion for cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and a love for food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
At Castle Garden School, we're looking for a talented School Cook or Chef to lead our kitchen and provide fresh, nutritious meals that help our students thrive. This is more than just a catering role. Every meal you prepare will play a part in supporting the wellbeing, health and development of young people with additional needs.
You'll have the freedom to plan menus, introduce new ideas and create enjoyable dining experiences that students and staff genuinely look forward to. In return, you'll benefit from a rewarding Monday to Friday, term-time role, giving you more time for family, hobbies and life outside of work.
If you take pride in your cooking, enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, and want your work to have a lasting impact every day, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll do:
- Planning and preparing fresh, nutritious meals for students and staff
- Creating varied and appealing menus that cater for dietary, medical and cultural requirements
- Leading the day-to-day operation of the school kitchen
- Managing stock, ordering, budgets and supplier relationships
- Maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene and food safety
- Reducing food waste through effective planning and portion control
- Creating a positive dining experience that encourages healthy eating habits
- Working collaboratively with the wider school team to support student wellbeing
Who we’re looking for:
- We're looking for someone who is passionate about food and understands the difference a good meal can make to a young person's day.
- Experience as a Chef, Cook or Catering Professional within a school, care, hospitality or high-volume catering environment
- Experience catering for a variety of dietary requirements and allergies
- Good knowledge of food hygiene, food safety and kitchen compliance standards
- Strong organisational skills with experience managing stock, ordering and budgets
- A positive, reliable and flexible approach to work
- The confidence to take ownership of the kitchen and continually improve the catering offer
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff and suppliers
About Us:
At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.
Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.
Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.
About Our School:
Castle Garden School is a brand-new independent specialist school for students with autism between 5 - 11 years of age. Castle Garden School strives to provide effective, specialist education and support to autistic students and their families, which will allow students to achieve their full potential in education and life.
Located in the town centre of Guildford, the school provides primary education and offers a unique mix of education and support to students within a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. Personalised teaching and learning in an autism specific environment allows students’ individual needs to be addressed completely and their capabilities fully realised.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students 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 students and young people.
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.
School Cook in Guildford employer: Optionsautism
Optionsautism is an attractive employer due to its commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. The company provides flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment, allowing staff to balance their careers with personal life. Opportunities for continuous development and a focus on making a real difference in the lives of young people further enhance its appeal.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Guildford
✨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 Optionsautism. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Optionsautism
Don't be shy about reaching out to Optionsautism 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 Guildford
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 Optionsautism 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 Optionsautism
✨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!
