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- Tasks: Prepare and serve nutritious, home-cooked meals for residents in a friendly care home.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Downs House Care Home in Petersfield.
- Benefits: Earn £14.00–£14.50 per hour with 29 days holiday and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Fixed shifts with no late evenings, perfect for balancing work and study.
- Why this job: Enjoy stable daytime hours and make a difference in residents' lives through cooking.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking simple meals and a good understanding of food hygiene.
The predicted salary is between 29120 - 29920 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Cook to join our kitchen team at Downs House Care Home in Petersfield. This is a part-time role offering set daytime hours, a consistent rota, and a supportive working environment within a warm and friendly care home.
It is ideal for someone who enjoys cooking simple, home-style meals and wants a stable, structured role within a care setting.
Location: Downs House, Petersfield
Hours: 16 hours per week
Shift pattern: Thursday – Sunday, 7:00am – 3:00pm (alternate weekends)
Salary: £14.00 per hour (weekdays) / £14.50 per hour (weekends)
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
As a Cook, you will prepare and serve nutritious, home-cooked meals for residents in a care home environment. You will work as part of a small, supportive team to ensure residents receive well-balanced meals that meet their dietary needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare breakfast, lunch, and light evening meals
- Cook simple, home-style dishes (breakfast, mains, light suppers)
- Bake cakes and prepare food for special occasions
- Ensure meals meet dietary and nutritional requirements
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness
- Work independently during set shifts
- Support a calm and organised kitchen environment
Who we are looking for
- Experienced Cook (care home, school, café, or similar setting)
- Confident preparing simple, home-style meals
- Good understanding of food hygiene standards
- Reliable, organised, and punctual
- Friendly and comfortable working in a care environment
- Compassionate approach to supporting older people
What we offer
- £14.00–£14.50 per hour
- 16 hours per week (set rota)
- Daytime shifts only (7am–3pm)
- 29 days holiday (pro rata, including bank holidays)
- Full training and structured induction
- Supportive kitchen and care team
- Pension scheme (eligibility applies)
- Employee referral bonus scheme
Why this role works
- Fixed, predictable daytime hours
- No late evenings or split shifts
- Stable part-time income
- Supportive care home environment
- Simple, structured cooking role
Our values
At South Downs Care, we live by Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility — and we bring these values into every meal we serve.
Apply today
If you’re ready to join Downs House Care Home in Petersfield as a Cook, we’d love to hear from you. Email: careers@sdrgroup.co.uk | Call: 07484 482896
No CV? No problem — get in touch today.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. DBS check required following offer. Early applications are encouraged as this vacancy may close once filled.
Cook (Elderly Care) | Petersfield | Part Time employer: SDR
Contact Detail:
SDR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Elderly Care) | Petersfield | Part Time
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the care home vibe! Visit Downs House if you can, chat with staff and residents. This will help you understand their needs and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cooking skills! If you get a chance, bring in a sample of your home-style dish. It’s a tasty way to demonstrate your passion for cooking and connect with the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your experience! Think of examples where you've worked in similar settings or handled dietary needs. We want to see how you can fit into our supportive kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Elderly Care) | Petersfield | Part Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love cooking! Share your experiences with home-style meals and how you enjoy making food that brings joy to others, especially in a care setting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous roles you've had as a cook, especially in care homes or similar environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our values of kindness and respect.
Keep It Simple and Clear: Your application should be straightforward and easy to read. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate honesty and clarity, so just be yourself!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity at Downs House Care Home.
How to prepare for a job interview at SDR
✨Know Your Cooking Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of simple, home-style meals. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you prepare them. This will show your passion for cooking and your understanding of the role.
✨Understand Dietary Needs
Familiarise yourself with common dietary requirements, especially for elderly residents. Being able to talk about how you can cater to different needs will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to their well-being.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working in a small team, highlight your ability to collaborate and support others. Share examples of how you've worked well in a team before, especially in a kitchen or care environment.
✨Emphasise Hygiene Standards
Food hygiene is crucial in a care home setting. Be prepared to discuss your experience with maintaining cleanliness and safety in the kitchen. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have to back up your claims.