At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare delicious meals for students and create a positive dining experience.
- Company: Luminous Oak Academy, a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, life insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a community that values connection, respect, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate and school catering experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27776 - 30354 £ per year.
Kitchen Cook Band 4, 27.5 hours per week, Term Time only plus one week, FTE £26,034 - £27,347, Actual Salary £17,228 – £18,097.
Opening in September 2026 with 40 pupils in Years 5 to 8, Luminous Oak will grow over three years to be a state-of-the-art, 125-place academy for pupils in Years 4 to 11, based in the heart of the Boorley Gardens development in Eastleigh. Named by pupils within our Trust, Luminous Oak represents strength, growth, and resilience, reflecting our commitment to empowering children and young people to thrive.
Luminous Oak Academy are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and skilled Kitchen Cook to join our Support Department. You need to be flexible, energetic and enthusiastic about working with children who have complex needs and/or autism. If you are up for a challenge, like to have fun and really want to help make a difference, then Luminous Oak could be the place for you!
Ideally you will have Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate and experience of school catering.
At Solent Academies Trust, we are proud to be a community built on connection, respect, and belonging. Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Valuing Difference
- Effective Communication
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower
- Respect for All
- Solution-Focused Approaches
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
By joining the Luminous Oak Academy team, we offer you:
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relation leadership and HR excellence
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and wellbeing
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time
- Competitive employer pension contribution
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme)
- Confidential Counselling & Wellbeing Support Service
- Increase of paid weeks after 5 years of service from 46.3 weeks to 47.1 weeks
- CPD opportunities to support Career development
- Free onsite parking
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Salary Extras
- Employee Benefits Platform
The hours for this role are Monday - Friday 8.30am – 2.00pm. You will work for 40 weeks of the year; however, you will be paid for 46.3 weeks. Your salary will be paid over 12 months of the year.
If you have any questions at all or wish to submit an application, please email recruitment@solentacademiestrust.info. Please note we will only accept applications completed on our Solent Academies Trust application form. Closing date for applications is Wednesday 1st July 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Thursday 9th July 2026.
Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Kitchen Cook - Luminous Oak Academy in Southampton employer: Portsmouth City Council
Luminous Oak Academy, part of Solent Academies Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employee wellbeing, and a culture that values connection and respect, we empower our staff to thrive alongside the children they serve. Located in the vibrant Boorley Gardens development, we offer competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, life insurance, and opportunities for career growth, making us an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Cook - Luminous Oak Academy in Southampton
✨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 Portsmouth City Council 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 Kitchen Cook - Luminous Oak Academy in Southampton
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 Portsmouth City Council 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 Portsmouth City Council.
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 Portsmouth City Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨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 Portsmouth City Council 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.
