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- Tasks: Create delicious, nutritious meals for students while leading a dynamic kitchen team.
- 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, tasty meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering school dedicated to supporting autistic young people.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 20000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
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
*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.
School Chef in 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 in Epsom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Ashley Park School and understand their values and mission. 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. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a School Chef.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to menu planning, food safety, and team management. Role-play with a friend to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨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 a fantastic team that values wellbeing and work-life balance.
We think you need these skills to ace School Chef in Epsom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you write 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 to show us you're the right fit!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly: While we want to see your personality, remember to keep your tone professional. A friendly approach can help us see how well you'd fit into our supportive school environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Menu
Before the interview, research and prepare a sample menu that showcases your ability to create balanced, nutritious meals. Tailor it to meet various dietary needs, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the role and your commitment to the pupils' wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing a kitchen team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated staff, handled challenges, and ensured a positive working environment. This will highlight your leadership capabilities, which are crucial for the School Chef position.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards relevant to school kitchens. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with these regulations in your previous roles. This knowledge is essential for maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Wellbeing
Express your enthusiasm for creating meals that support the health and wellbeing of pupils. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for cooking in an educational setting. This will resonate well with the school's mission and values.
