At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious meals for children with diverse dietary needs and maintain kitchen hygiene.
- Company: Cherry Lodge, a caring children's home focused on making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, discounts, flexible bank holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while honing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, food hygiene certification, and ability to work shifts.
The predicted salary is between 25740 - 31460 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our dedicated team here at Cherry Lodge as a Cook and make a real difference to young people's lives! Cherry Lodge is a local authority children's home and offers short breaks and shared care placements to children and young people with severe disabilities, complex health and behaviours that challenge between the ages of 5 and 18.
As a cook you will assist and produce a range of food and drinks for the children staying at our home. It is also crucial to maintain an awareness of the specific needs of individuals e.g. food allergens, vegetarians, controlled diets and ethnic minority groups. Another of your responsibilities as a cook will be to ensure high standards of food hygiene including maintaining the cleanliness of all kitchen areas and food equipment. This will include keeping safe food records and the execution of cleaning schedules.
You must be able to work within a rota pattern of shifts including 14:00-19:00 weekdays and working alternate weekends 10:00-15:00.
Previous experience in the catering industry is required, along with:
- Experience of cooking for multiples of people who may require different meals
- Experience in ordering and stock control of food
- Food Hygiene Certificate Level 2 NVQ or relevant Catering Certification
- Ability to work to a set rota system which includes weekends and bank holidays as per the shift pattern
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme:
- Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
- Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
- Access to car lease scheme
- Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
- Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
- Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
- Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
- Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
- Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.
We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact pccrecruitment@peterborough.gov.uk; we will work with you to meet your needs. Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Cook in Peterborough employer: Peterborough First group
Cherry Lodge is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people with disabilities. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, flexible bank holidays, and opportunities for professional development, we prioritise the well-being and growth of our staff. Join our dedicated team and enjoy the unique advantage of contributing to a meaningful cause while being part of a diverse and child-focused community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook in Peterborough
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Peterborough First group and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Peterborough First group that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Peterborough First group.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Peterborough First group get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough First group
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Peterborough First group and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
