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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen, create nutritious meals, and manage daily operations.
- Company: Join a supportive school environment focused on wellbeing and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and great wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy, delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering team at a new specialist school.
The predicted salary is between 16000 - 24000 £ per year.
Location: Ashley Park School, Epsom, Surrey KT18 7LR
Salary: £20,000.00 per annum / £14.95 per hour (not pro rata)
Hours: 30 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 2.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
Ashley Park School is looking for a skilled and passionate School Chef to lead our kitchen and deliver high-quality, nutritious meals that support the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff. You will be responsible for menu planning, food preparation, and day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and safety. You will also lead and support the kitchen team, helping them perform at their best while promoting a safe and positive working environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and prepare balanced, nutritious meals tailored to pupils' dietary, cultural, and medical needs.
- Manage kitchen operations, including stock control, ordering, budgeting, and reducing waste.
- Supervise, support, and manage kitchen staff, including appraisals and day-to-day guidance.
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and organisational policies.
- Oversee kitchen set-up, cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
- Coordinate daily meal requirements for pupils, staff, and visitors.
- Liaise with suppliers to place orders and resolve queries efficiently.
About You
You will have:
- Experience in catering, ideally within a school, residential, or similar setting.
- Experience in menu planning with awareness of nutritional requirements and budgetary control.
- Strong knowledge of catering practices, including safe handling, storage, and preparation of food.
- Leadership skills to manage and motivate a small kitchen team.
- A proactive, organised, and flexible approach, with a commitment to high standards.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in pupils' daily lives, creating meals that support wellbeing and learning in a friendly, supportive school environment.
About Us
Ashley Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Epsom, Surrey, for autistic young people aged 11-19, with a capacity for 60 pupils. We provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Personalised teaching, differentiated lessons, and tailored therapeutic support ensure each pupil's unique needs and abilities are met. Our curriculum combines academic study, vocational pathways, and life skills, preparing young people to achieve their full potential and future aspirations.
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.
Benefits include:
- 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
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
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. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Locations
School Chef (Epsom) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Chef (Epsom)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Ashley Park School and Outcomes First Group to understand their mission and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of #teamOFG.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the School Chef role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to kitchen management and nutrition. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to high standards. We want to see your passion for creating nutritious meals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us in making a difference in pupils' lives. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef (Epsom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create nutritious meals that make a difference in students' lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills match the job description. Mention your experience in menu planning and managing kitchen operations, as these are key for the School Chef role.
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly: While we want to see your personality, remember to keep your tone professional. Use clear language and avoid jargon, but don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the role come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with various dietary needs and how to create balanced meals. Be ready to discuss your experience in menu planning and how you can cater to different cultural and medical requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a School Chef, you'll be leading a kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated staff in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve improved team performance or created a positive working environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Food Safety
Brush up on food hygiene regulations and safety practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations, as this is crucial for the role. Mention any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Bring Your Passion for Wellbeing
This role is all about supporting the health and wellbeing of pupils. Share your passion for creating nutritious meals and how you believe good food can positively impact learning and development. Show them you care!
