Cook - Old School House, Thringstone – The Old School House Residential Care Home

Food is not just a task in a care setting. It supports health, routine, independence, and enjoyment. As a Cook at The Old School House, you will play a direct role in the wellbeing of the people we support by preparing meals that are safe, nutritious, and tailored to individual needs.

Location: Old School House, Thringstone

Hours: 18 hours per week

Working Pattern: 3 days per week, 08:00–14:00

Salary: £12.65 per hour

About Rushcliffe Care Group: Rushcliffe Care is a company with over 35 years of experience in offering the highest levels of care to our most vulnerable in society. Across our services, we support people to live safer, more fulfilling lives, with dignity, choice, and consistency at the centre of everything we do.

About The Role: As a Cook, you will prepare and cook meals to meet the daily requirements of service users, supporting the catering function and ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation.

Your Role Will Include:

• Preparing and cooking meals in line with agreed menus and individual dietary requirements
• Producing meals to a high standard while maximising efficient use of resources and minimising waste
• Monitoring and recording critical control points, including temperature checks and delivery checks
• Maintaining safe food storage and hygiene standards at all times
• Ordering stock within allocated budgets and monitoring fresh produce levels
• Ensuring the kitchen remains clean, organised, and compliant with food hygiene regulations
• Communicating effectively with care staff regarding dietary needs or changes

Your working hours will be 08:00–14:00, three days per week, worked in line with service needs.

About You: You will ideally hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate, or be willing to work towards this. A relevant food preparation qualification is desirable. You understand food hygiene regulations, allergy awareness, and safe working practices. You are organised, able to manage stock and budgets responsibly, and take pride in producing meals that people enjoy. You understand that in a Learning Disability service, mealtimes can be an important part of routine and independence. You are patient, respectful, and responsive to individual preferences. You are reliable, punctual, and comfortable working independently.

What Our Values Mean in Practice:

• Reputable Care: Following food safety and hygiene procedures exactly as required. Maintaining clear records of temperatures and safety checks. Ensuring meals meet agreed standards every day.
• Respect and Compassion: Respecting individual dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements. Understanding that food is part of dignity and personal choice. Communicating professionally with service users and colleagues.
• Robust Communication: Informing care staff of any dietary concerns or supply issues. Recording safety checks clearly and accurately. Working collaboratively with the Registered Manager and wider team.
• Real Commitment: Arriving prepared and maintaining high standards throughout the shift. Managing stock carefully and avoiding unnecessary waste. Taking responsibility for the kitchen environment and outcomes.

About The Old School House: The Old School House in Thringstone is a specialised Learning Disability service with 18 registered beds. It is designed to support individuals with learning disabilities, offering a person-centred, supportive, and inclusive environment. We focus on fostering independence, promoting dignity, and respecting individual preferences and goals. Through tailored care plans, we ensure the unique needs of each service user are met, helping them to live fulfilling lives while maintaining their rights and individuality.

What We Offer: We provide structured induction and clear guidance so you feel confident in your role from day one. You will receive regular support from managers who understand the importance of food safety, consistency, and high standards. Many of our team build long-term careers with us. We are committed to supporting development and internal progression where appropriate.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Benefits: Free parking, On-site parking

Work Authorisation: United Kingdom (required)

Equal Opportunities Statement: Rushcliffe Care Group is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Employment decisions are based on individual merit, qualifications, and the needs of the service. Some roles may have specific requirements, such as physical ability or effective communication in English, due to the nature of the care we provide. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our service users and are applied fairly and proportionately. To support our commitment to equal opportunities, we may collect diversity data as part of the application process. This information is used for monitoring purposes only, is anonymised where appropriate, and does not form part of the selection process. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

All Roles Are Subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. The cost of the enhanced DBS check is covered by Rushcliffe Care.