At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious meals for our vibrant school community.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Oakfield House School, part of Options Autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week with full pay and excellent wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the lives of pupils while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Catering qualifications and experience in a kitchen environment are preferred.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 21500 ÂŁ per year.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance â and weâre putting wellbeing first. Thatâs why weâre proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW â and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether itâs already in place or just around the corner, nowâs the perfect time to join #teamOFG. Job Title: School Cook Location: Oakfield House School, Salwick PR4 0YH Salary:
ÂŁ21,500.00 per annum (
not pro rata
) Hours:
30 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am â 2.00pm Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only Interview: 27 Oct 2025 Start: October 2025 As part of our continued growth, we are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a School Cook to join our close-knit team at Oakfield House School, part of Options Autism. About the Role Weâre looking for a passionate and reliable School Cook to join our vibrant school community. In this rewarding role, youâll be responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality meals that support the health and wellbeing of all our pupils. Working under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team, youâll help create a welcoming and efficient kitchen environment that reflects the schoolâs ethos and values. Youâll take pride in maintaining excellent standards of hygiene, health and safety, while ensuring all food safety regulations are met. From managing stock and supplies to keeping accurate records, your attention to detail will help keep everything running smoothly. Collaboration is key, and youâll enjoy working as part of a supportive team where communication and care go hand in hand. Who we are looking for The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: City & Guilds or NVQ in Catering (or equivalent) Experience working in a catering environment Good standard of personal hygiene Strong presentation and food preparation skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team About us Oakfield House School is a specialist Primary School for autistic pupils and those associated with Autism/Learning or Complex Communication and Behaviour needs. The school has a strong and committed leadership team. Our school is a country house built in the 1880\âs, set in eight acres of beautiful parkland. We cater for 45 boys and girls aged between 4 â 12 years old. The Site is situated in Salwick near Preston and are within commutable distance from Preston, Blackpool, Chorley, Leyland and surrounding areas. For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a âGreat Place to Workâ for the fifth year running. Why join Options Autism? We place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youâll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so youâll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions âYour Wellbeing Mattersâ â access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thatâs right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100âs of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support â inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. *Youâll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit 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. #1
School Cook employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land School Cook
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Oakfield House School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show them you understand their mission and how your cooking can support the wellbeing of their pupils.
â¨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a few dishes that reflect the nutritious meals youâd be preparing. Bring some photos or even a sample to the interview to showcase your culinary flair.
â¨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff or alumni if possible. They can give you insider tips on what itâs like to work there and what the team values most. Plus, a friendly face can make a big difference!
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, youâll find all the latest updates about the role and the school there.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about providing nutritious meals and creating a positive environment for our pupils.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and any qualifications you have, like City & Guilds or NVQ. We love seeing how your skills match what weâre looking for, so donât hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your experience and skills without unnecessary fluff. This helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this fantastic opportunity at Oakfield House School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge about nutrition. Be ready to discuss how you can create healthy, tasty meals for the pupils. Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and hygiene standards, as these will likely come up during the interview.
â¨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for cooking and working with children shine through. Share any experiences you've had in catering or working with young people, especially in a school environment. This will help demonstrate that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a positive impact.
â¨Team Player Vibes
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience working in a team. Think of examples where youâve successfully worked with others in a kitchen setting, and how you contributed to a positive atmosphere. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle feedback.
â¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, donât forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and the school. You might want to ask about the school's approach to nutrition, how they support their staff, or what a typical day looks like for a School Cook. Itâs a great way to show youâre engaged and keen to be part of the team.