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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare wholesome meals for our residents and support the care team.
- Company: Join a family-owned care home dedicated to kindness and respect.
- Benefits: Earn £14.00 per hour, with bonuses and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on residents' wellbeing through nutritious cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking preferred, but passion and compassion are key.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities and strong management support.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
📍 Location: Downs House, Petersfield
💰 Salary: £14.00 per hour (annual review)
⭐ Weekend Rate: £14.50 per hour
🎉 Bonus: Discretionary Annual Bonus based on company success
🕒 Hours: 16 hours per week
About Us
At South Downs Care, we’re dedicated to providing personalised, high‑quality care in a safe, friendly environment where our residents can thrive. We operate two care homes, Downs House and Stroud House, nestled in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. Being family‑owned means our values aren’t just words; they shine through in how we support our teams and the people we care for. At SDR Care, we live by Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility every single day.
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as a Cook at South Downs Care. While previous experience in a similar setting is an advantage, it is not essential. What matters most is your passion for preparing wholesome, nutritious meals and your commitment to maintaining and continually improving our high standards. As a valued member of our team, you will play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of our residents by preparing meals with care, as well as providing for our colleagues. You will work alongside the Chef Manager at Downs House.
What We Offer
- Career Growth – Ongoing professional training & development
- Holidays – at least Equivalent to 29 days (including bank holidays, pro‑rata)
- Pension Scheme – Available where eligible
- Structured Induction & Probation – Comprehensive onboarding support
- Strong Management Support – Guidance every step of the way
- Employee Referral Bonus – Earn £200 each on appointment and another £300 each at the one‑year anniversary (T's & C's apply)
- Easily Accessible Location – Petersfield is well‑connected, with hourly train services from Waterlooville, Havant, and surrounding areas
Who We’re Looking For
- Previous cooking experience (healthcare, nursing home, or similar environment preferred)
- Knowledge of elderly nutrition and special diets
- Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
- Ability to work independently and as part of a care team
- Compassionate attitude and attention to detail.
Working Hours
Working hours are 16 hours per week with set shifts of Thursday to Sunday (7am – 3pm) rotating shift pattern and alternate weekends.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use inclusive, gender‑neutral language and focus on strengths, potential, and what matters most to the people we support; and our teams.
Apply Today!
If you are ready to step into a role where your skills, experience, and compassion will make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you! If you don't have a CV please get in touch by email careers@sdrgroup.co.uk or call 07484 482896
Some, but not all, companies within our Group hold a UKVI sponsorship licence. However, current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocations are extremely limited, and we are therefore unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Successful applicants will be required to complete an online Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) following acceptance of an offer.
Cook | Elderly Care employer: SDR
Contact Detail:
SDR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook | Elderly Care
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on South Downs Care. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you connect with them during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for cooks in elderly care settings. Prepare your answers, focusing on your passion for cooking and how you can contribute to the wellbeing of residents. We want to hear your story!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring along a dish you've prepared or share some ideas for nutritious meals tailored for the elderly. This will demonstrate your creativity and commitment to high standards in food preparation.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Cook | Elderly Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for cooking and caring for the elderly shine through. We want to see how much you care about preparing nutritious meals and supporting our residents' wellbeing.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to highlight any relevant experience or skills you have, especially in cooking or working in a care environment. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values of kindness and respect.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to express your thoughts clearly without unnecessary fluff. This helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at SDR
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing for the elderly. Research nutritional needs and special diets that are common in care settings. This shows your commitment to their wellbeing and demonstrates your passion for cooking.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples of how you've shown kindness and respect in previous roles. Whether it’s a story about a time you went the extra mile for someone or how you handle feedback, let your compassionate attitude shine through.
✨Understand Food Safety
Brush up on food safety and hygiene standards relevant to cooking in a care home. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure a safe kitchen environment and maintain high standards, as this is crucial in a healthcare setting.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they incorporate creativity into meal planning. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.
