At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the school kitchen, preparing nutritious meals and creating balanced menus.
- Company: Join a brand-new specialist school dedicated to supporting children with ASD and SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and the chance to shape a new catering vision.
- Other info: Be part of a nurturing community focused on inclusivity and student well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through healthy, home-cooked food.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, food hygiene knowledge, and strong communication skills.
A brand-new specialist school is opening its doors in January 2027, and we are looking for an experienced, passionate Cook to help bring this exciting vision to life. This is a rare opportunity to shape a brand new catering provision and be part of something genuinely transformative.
The school will provide a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious environment for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. With capacity for 96 learners, the mission is to create a safe, enriching and aspirational setting where every child can thrive and nutritious, home cooked food is a key part of that.
The Role
As the Cook, you'll lead the day to day running of the school kitchen, ensuring pupils and staff enjoy high quality, nutritious meals in a warm and welcoming environment. You'll develop balanced menus, maintain exceptional hygiene standards and work closely with colleagues, students and families to meet a wide range of dietary, allergen and sensory needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals using fresh ingredients wherever possible.
- Plan balanced, appealing menus that meet diverse dietary, allergen and sensory requirements.
- Manage stock control, ordering, portioning and budgeting to deliver an efficient catering service.
- Supervise and support kitchen staff, including rotas, training and daily guidance.
- Build positive relationships with students, encouraging healthy eating and gathering feedback.
- Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and compliance with catering legislation.
- Work collaboratively with students, staff and suppliers to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing and inclusive.
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about creating healthy, home cooked food and enjoys being part of a school community.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
- Experience preparing and cooking meals using a wide range of fresh ingredients.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, food safety and relevant catering legislation.
- Experience managing stock, portion control and working within a budget.
- Knowledge of special diets, allergens and nutritional requirements.
- Experience supervising or supporting staff in a catering environment.
- Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- Aware of learning disabilities and/or additional needs and how these may impact catering provision.
Chef/Cook in Schools employer: Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd
Join our SEMH school in Berkeley, where we prioritise a nurturing and aspirational environment for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers a competitive salary with a welcome bonus, and provides opportunities for professional growth within a dedicated team focused on making a meaningful impact in students' lives.
Contact Details:
Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef/Cook in Schools
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Futures Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
