At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare nutritious meals and support pupils' learning through engaging cooking sessions.
- Company: Join the new Ashdown Garden School, set in a beautiful location.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunity to make a difference.
- Other info: Work in a therapeutic environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique school experience that promotes healthy eating and practical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, knowledge of food hygiene, and a passion for supporting children.
The predicted salary is between 23284 - 26538 £ per year.
40 hours per week, 40 weeks per year. Actual Salary: £23,284.72 FTE £26,538.48. Hourly rate (holiday incl.) £14.55 per hour.
We have an exciting opportunity for a School Cook to join the team at our new Ashdown Garden School, in Forest Row. The school is opening in 2026 and is based near the Emerson College site near the beautiful Ashdown Forest and the village of Forest Row. In this role you will be supporting pupil learning and wellbeing through the preparation of high‑quality meals and by contributing to food‑based, practical learning in a therapeutic environment.
Key Duties- Prepare and cook nutritious school lunches using biodynamic, organic and locally sourced produce, maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness at all times.
- Coordinate and support the Catering Assistant to ensure smooth daily operations, safe equipment use and an organised, therapeutic learning environment.
- Plan menus, manage stock, ordering and recycling systems, and follow the Food and Nutrition Policy closely to minimise waste and uphold school values.
- Support pupils to develop practical cooking and food preparation skills, building independence, confidence and healthy food habits.
- Support structured cooking sessions for small groups or class groups, ensuring activities are engaging, differentiated and safely supervised.
- Work with teachers and support staff to plan food‑based learning that embeds functional English, Maths and Science skills through curriculum‑linked activities, including seed‑to‑table learning.
- Support to create an inclusive, sensory‑aware learning environment where pupils can participate meaningfully in preparing food and exploring ingredients.
- Experience working in a catering environment, ideally with fresh, seasonal and organic produce.
- Knowledge of food hygiene, dietary needs and safe kitchen practices.
- Experience or interest in supporting children with SEND and sensory needs.
- Strong organisational, communication and teamwork skills.
- A positive, resilient approach and ability to create a calm, encouraging environment for pupils.
- A Food Hygiene qualification or willingness to train.
School Cook in Forest Row employer: Ruskin Mill Trust
Join our vibrant team at Ashdown Garden School, where you will play a crucial role in nurturing pupil wellbeing through the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals. Located near the stunning Ashdown Forest, our school fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering opportunities to engage in meaningful food-based learning while working with fresh, organic produce. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, we are dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that empowers both staff and students alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Forest Row
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Ashdown Garden School and understand their approach to food and education. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! Since the role involves preparing high-quality meals, consider doing a few trial runs of nutritious recipes. You can even share these experiences in your interview to demonstrate your passion for food and cooking.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with others in the catering and education sectors. Join local groups or online forums where you can connect with professionals who might have insights about the school or similar roles. This could lead to valuable tips or even referrals!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and showcase your skills. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and keen to join our community at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook in Forest Row
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When writing your application, let us know why you love cooking and how it connects to supporting pupils' learning and wellbeing. Share any experiences you've had with fresh, seasonal, or organic produce – we want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in catering, especially if you've worked with children or in educational settings. We’re looking for someone who can create a calm and encouraging environment, so share examples that showcase your teamwork and organisational skills.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; explain how they relate to the role. If you have a Food Hygiene qualification or experience with SEND, mention how these skills will help you support our pupils in a therapeutic learning environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ruskin Mill Trust
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with biodynamic, organic, and locally sourced produce. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these into nutritious meals for the pupils. Showing your passion for quality ingredients will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in a catering environment. Bring examples of how you've maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene. If possible, share a story about a successful meal or project that highlights your cooking skills.
✨Engage with Educational Concepts
Think about how you can integrate food-based learning with subjects like English, Maths, and Science. Be prepared to suggest ideas for structured cooking sessions that are engaging and educational, demonstrating your understanding of the school's values.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your teamwork and communication skills. Discuss how you've coordinated with others in a kitchen setting, especially when supporting assistants or working with teachers. A collaborative attitude is key in creating a positive environment for the pupils.
