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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 working week, competitive salary, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy, delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for nutrition.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering team at a brand-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
This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and are putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.
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.
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.
Benefits:
- 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.
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! 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 (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 in the kitchen and how you create nutritious meals that cater to different dietary needs. We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in pupils' lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience in menu planning and managing kitchen operations. We’re looking for someone who understands the importance of quality and safety in food preparation, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, familiarise yourself with various menu planning techniques and nutritional requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would cater to diverse dietary needs, as this shows your commitment to the wellbeing of pupils.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and maintain a positive working environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
Brush up on food hygiene and safety standards relevant to school catering. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your kitchen operations, as this will demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Wellbeing
Express your enthusiasm for creating nutritious meals that support the health of pupils. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for cooking in an educational setting.
