At a Glance
- Tasks: Create nutritious meals and lead a school kitchen for students with special needs.
- Company: Join a brand-new specialist school in Bristol, dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive environment with career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new school and help shape its catering from day one.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking, food hygiene knowledge, and a passion for healthy eating.
The predicted salary is between 16.16 - 16.16 £ per hour.
Location: Bristol
Salary: £27,105.31 - £30,354.94 (£14.43 - £16.16 per hour)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only (41 weeks)
Working Hours: 6:00am - 2:00pm
Start Date: 1 December 2026
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Cook/Chef to join a brand-new specialist school in Bristol, opening its doors in January 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a new school and play a key role in establishing its catering provision from the outset. 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 a capacity of approximately 96 students, the school is committed to creating a safe, enriching and aspirational environment where every learner can thrive.
We are looking for a passionate and organised Cook/Chef to lead the school's catering provision, creating nutritious, home-cooked meals that support the health, wellbeing and development of pupils.
Your Role
As the Cook/Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school kitchen, ensuring pupils and staff receive high-quality, nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment. You will play an important role in developing menus, maintaining exceptional hygiene standards and creating a positive dining experience, while working closely with colleagues, pupils and families to meet a range of dietary and sensory needs.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing, cooking and serving nutritious meals using fresh ingredients wherever possible
- Planning balanced and appealing menus that meet a range of dietary, allergen and sensory requirements
- Managing stock control, ordering and budgeting to ensure an effective and efficient catering service
- Supervising and supporting kitchen staff, including rota management, training and day-to-day guidance
- Building positive relationships with pupils, encouraging healthy eating and gathering feedback on menu choices
- Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, health and safety and compliance with catering legislation
- Working closely with pupils, staff and suppliers to ensure meals are nutritious, appealing and meet a range of dietary, allergen and sensory needs
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about creating healthy, home-cooked food and enjoys working as part of a school community. You will have:
- Experience preparing and cooking meals using a wide range of fresh ingredients
- Knowledge 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 within a catering environment
- Excellent communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records
- Knowledge of learning disabilities and/or additional needs and how these may impact catering provision
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPENCER CLARKE GROUP
All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy. Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained. You must have legal right to work in the UK. You must be willing to attend a registration interview.
School Cook in Bristol employer: Spencer Clarke Group
Spencer Clarke Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on meaningful projects within the Local Authority sector, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive pay, and access to a wealth of career opportunities, all while being supported by experienced consultants dedicated to their success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Cook in Bristol
✨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 Spencer Clarke Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Spencer Clarke Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Spencer Clarke Group 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!
We think you need these skills to ace School Cook in Bristol
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 Spencer Clarke Group 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 Spencer Clarke Group
✨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!
